Concerted efforts to eradicate infrastructural damage and theft to and of non-ferrous metals in the rural sectors within the Southern Cape are yielding positive results following the arrest of a 40-year-old man who was found in possession of a substantial amount of copper cables that was cut in 30 smaller pieces. The value of the cable is still to be determined.

Preliminary investigation reveals that members attached to the Rural Flying Squad acted on information received about the suspicious vehicle, a White Nissan NP 200 bakkie that was roaming the Friemersheim area near Grootbrak River yesterday, Wednesday, at about 15:45. Members responded and spotted the vehicle near the entrance to Friemersheim. They pulled over the vehicle and ensued with a search that led to the discovery of a bag containing thirty (30) roles of copper cable. When enquired, the suspect could not give a satisfactory explanation as to why and how he got possession of the suspected stolen copper cable. He was arrested on the spot and the find was handed in as evidence.

The 40-year-old suspect who hails from Franshoek-region faces a charge of Possession of Suspected Stolen Property. He is currently in detention and is scheduled to make his first court appearance in the Grootbrak River magistrates’ court tomorrow, Friday, 13 August 2021.

Investigation into the origin of the copper cable as well as involvement in possible similar crime in the area is under investigation.

The Da Gamaskop Cluster Commander, Brigadier Phumzile Cetyana has expressed his gratitude towards the vigilance and commitment of the members involved in the bust who had been deployed strategically to especially curb these kind of crime that has devastating effects to and on the livelihood and economy of these remote rural areas.

Source: South African Police Service