PORT ALFRED – An intelligence-driven operation by the South African Police Service (SAPS) has led to the arrest of a suspect (57) and the recovery of stolen infrastructure property in Kenton-on-Sea.

Police spokesperson Captain Marius McCarthy said on Tuesday night at approximately 22:20, a member of the Port Alfred Crime Intelligence Unit received a tip-off from an informant regarding a bakkie that had allegedly loaded stolen copper cables in the Klipfontein area and was travelling towards Kenton-on-Sea.

“The officer immediately verified the information, successfully locating the specified address and the targeted bakkie. The information was operationalised swiftly at around 23:30 in a joint operation involving the Port Alfred K9 Unit and Kenton-on-Sea Visible Policing (Vispol),” said McCarthy.

He added that during the operation, police discovered and seized copper cables and related components weighing 17.52 kg.

He confirmed that a man was arrested at the scene on charges related to the possession of suspected stolen property and damage to essential infrastructure.

“The theft of copper cables remains a serious concern for the SAPS, as it significantly damages essential infrastructure and disrupts vital community services.

Police remain committed to working alongside communities to dismantle criminal networks targeting state and private infrastructure. The suspect is due to appear before the Alexandria Magistrate’s Court soon.”

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