Two Cameroonians aged 23 and 24 were arrested last night at scrapyard in Alexandra, Johannesburg for possession of stolen copper cables worth R100 000.
City of Johannesburg Mayor Herman Mashaba said the two suspects are expected to appear in Alexandra Magistrate Court.
“Group Forensic and Investigation Service (GFIS) officials received tipoff yesterday about stolen copper cables. It was stored at certain scrapyard situated in 1st Avenue and London Road in Alexandra. The GFIS tem and Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officers then went to search the scrapyard but found nothing. Last night the informant called GFIS officials and told them about where the stolen cable copper were kept”, he said.
Mashaba added that GFIS went back to the scrapyard, searched again and found nothing. He said they searched the bedrooms where two bags stuffed with copper cabled were found.
“However, in order to prevent the criminal syndicates responsible for cable theft, City deployed a specialised JMPD unit which focus and target the copper cable syndicates. The syndicates needs professional approach of dedicated unit with knowledge, skills and networks to be active. In order for us to win this battle, a collaborative effort is needed from all the role players involved”, said Mashaba.
He added that National and Provincial Government must step in to make sure that the South African Police Service (SAPS) works with their specialised JMPD unit.
“We want to ensure that these syndicates are cracked down. Suspects who are found guilty are not only arrested but also prosecuted. In 2017, I requested Provincial and National Governments to declare these scrapyards to cancel their licenses. Rule of law must be upheld for the City to be of opportunities. We will work tirelessly in collaboration with law agencies to ensure that residents receive quality services they deserve”, he said.
Mashaba encouraged residents to report any fraud and corruption activities through the 24 hours tipoff hotline 0800 002 587 or visit the GFIS offices situated at 48 Ameshoff Street in Braamfontein.
