NORTHERN CAPE - The Springbok SAPS Visible Policing unit received a complaint of alleged copper theft at a cellphone tower and their swift reaction ensured the arrest of three male suspects.

On Tuesday, 21 June at about 08:00, the SAPS members found the suspects with the copper and chased after the five males and managed to arrest three suspects in the veld near the Springbok Hospital.

Approximately 86m of copper was stolen and police managed to retrieve about 70m on the scene. The SAPS members also confiscated two pangas, a hand saw and a screwdriver that was allegedly utilized in the commission of crime.

The suspects should be appearing in the Springbok Magistrate’s Court soon on charges of tampering with, damage, or destroy essential infrastructure. The investigation continues.

The Acting District Commander for Namakwa, Colonel Schalk Andrews commended the members from the Springbok SAPS Visible Policing unit for their lightning fast response and also thanked the community for their assistance in this regard.

Source: South African Police Service