Five suspects arrested for theft of vital infrastructure

An Integrated operation between SAPS and Neighbourhood Watch members led to the arrest of five suspects aged between 31 and 49 on charges of being in possession of alleged stolen property and theft of vital infrastructure in Philadelphia.

Philadelphia police received information during the early hours of Friday morning, 28 January 2022 from the Neighbourhood Watch members that a suspicious vehicle, with five occupants were driving in Adderley Road, Philadelphia. The members arrived shortly after the information was relayed to them and the vehicle was stopped. During questioning, the vehicle was searched, and the officers discovered vital infrastructure (copper) cables and an overhead conductor valued at approximately R10 000 inside the vehicle. Further investigation confirmed that they had stolen the cables from a farm in the Durbanville area. The suspects are due to appear in the Atlantis Magistrates’ court on Monday, 31 January 2022 on the mentioned charges.

In an unrelated matter yesterday afternoon, members of Maitland Flying Squad received information about bicycles that were stolen earlier in Maitland area. The members recovered 14 bicycles at a house in Bothasig and another four bicycles at an address in Wynberg area. Four suspects aged between 28 and 46 were arrested and detained at Bothasig SAPS and will appear in Cape Town court on Monday morning on a case of possession of stolen property.

Anyone with information about criminal activities is encouraged to call Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Alternatively, members of the public can send information via MYSAPS app. All information received will be treated confidentially and callers may remain anonymous.

Source: South African Police Service