A 48-year-old man has been arrested for tampering with essential infrastructure, distribution of critical infrastructure and stealing copper and electrical feeder cables in Pretoria. The suspect was arrested by police during a joint operation to address theft and damages of critical infrastructure in the rail environment recently.
This joint cover operation consisting of SAPS members and the Public Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) yielded positive results. Police spokesperson Colonel Athlenda Mathe said that the suspect was found to be in possession of feeder cables worth a market value of R500.000.
“The suspect was found to be in possession of feeder cables worth a market value of R380 000-00, as well as copper cables worth a market value of R150 000-00. A bakkie and tools that were allegedly used in the commission of the crime were also seized,” Mathe said.
Mathe further urged community members to assist SAPS to fight crime against the tampering of essential infrastructure.
“We are appealing to our communities to join hands with the SAPS to curb this type of crime by reporting to their nearest police station or calling the crime stop hotline number on 0860010111. Callers are reminded that they may remain anonymous and all information will be treated with the strictest of confidence.” Mathe said.
