HENNENMAN – The Hennenman police recovered copper cable valued at R3 million on truck travelling on the R53. The cable has been identified as property of Telkom, Eskom and Transnet.
On Tuesday, 19 August, at about 08:05 the police spotted and intercepted a large truck loaded with copper cables approximately 10km outside of the town. The truck driver was requested to provide documentation for being in possession of the copper cable. He could not, and the police then arrested the 43-year-old African man.
“After failing to account for the suspected stolen copper cables, the suspect was then arrested,” says Sgt. Palesa Thabana, spokesperson for the Lejweleputswa police.
The police confiscated 17 860 tonne of copper cables and one 18-wheeler truck. The suspect is facing charges of damage to essential infrastructure.
According to Supt Bokvel Pietersen of the Matjhabeng Local Municipality, they consider the seizure of the truck and its contents a major success.
“I was called to the scene, and identified the Telkom cable. I called Eskom and they immediately identified their cable that was on the truck. Transnet also identified their cable. It is suspected that this is a syndicate operation. The Odendaalsrus police did a tremendous job.”
