The SAPS in the Northern Cape welcomes the 15 year prison sentence handed down to Keanan Minaar(28) in the De Aar Regional Court, recently.
On 16 November 2021 at about midday, patrolling police officials were stopped by the community alerting them of a copper theft in progress.
Police caught Keanan Minaar red handed with the stolen Telkom copper cables he stole from the Transnet premises in De Aar.
Minaar dropped the cables in the veld and tried fleeing on foot when he spotted the police.
Police chased and arrested him on the scene. The value of the stolen copper is R2500 however the damage caused to essential infrastructure amounts to more R100 000-00.
Police opposed bail and the accused remained in custody until his sentencing on 22 September 2022.
Keanan Minaar was sentenced to 15 years for copper theft and 15 years for unlawful tampering with, damages and destroying essential infrastructure. The sentences will run concurrently.
The Acting District Commander for Pixley Ka Seme District, Brig Nomana Adonis commended D/Sgt Rienest Brand of the De Aar Detectives for the thorough investigation and also thanked the community for their assistance in this regard.
Let us help our South African economy grow by assisting in the fight against cable theft.
Source: South African Police Service