East London police arrested a 62-year-old suspect in connection with the theft of Buffalo City Metro’s (BCM) water and sanitation infrastructure property, valued at around R500 000, at the Scenery Park water treatment works.
Theft and vandalism of Buffalo City Metro’s water and sanitation infrastructure, including sanitation systems, pipelines, parts, and equipment, have over the past three years cost ratepayers over R77 million.
The suspect made a brief appearance at the East London Magistrate’s Court on Thursday (August 22) for further investigation, and possibly formal bail application. He was not asked to plead, and the case was remanded until September 4, for a bail application, further investigation, and the arrest of four other suspects linked to the case.
The suspect’s name will only be revealed on September 4, at the formal bail application hearing, together with his four alleged accomplices.
At the time of print, East London police spokesperson, Captain Hazel Mqala, said the arrest of four others, believed to be part of a syndicate involved in the theft and vandalism of the Metro’s property, was imminent.
The arrested suspect is facing charges of theft, perjury, and defeating the ends of justice.
In a statement released by the East London police, the suspect was arrested by members of the Scenery Park police patrol unit, following a spate of theft and vandalism at the municipality’s Mzonyana Wastewater Treatment Works in Scenery Park.
According to the police, the suspect was caught while stealing the municipal property, and upon noticing a police van, fled the scene.
Various items, including pliers, bush-cutters, and an Isuzu bakkie, were recovered and confiscated.
The bakkie was reported as hijacked in Mdantsane two weeks ago, but upon police investigation, it was established that the timeline of the reported hijacking was misleading, as the owner alleged that the hijacking took place after the car was confiscated at the scene of the theft.
Buffalo City Metro spokesperson Samkelo Ngwenya said theft, vandalism, and destruction of municipal property continue to cripple the municipality.
“Acts of vandalism have an impact on service delivery, which in turn affects our people. We are hopeful that this latest arrest will send a strong message against those stealing municipal property,” said Ngwenya.
He said the Metro has come up with strategies aimed at safeguarding its infrastructure, including rolling out high-technology as a solution to combat such crimes.
Ngwenya added that theft and vandalism of the Metro’s water and sanitation infrastructure sites have, over the past three years, cost ratepayers over R77 million, affecting service delivery.
