An arrest and the prevention of further damage to essential infrastructure was secured by the rapid response of the Tactical Response Team (TRT) of the police in Kimberley.
On Wednesday, 29 November, information was received and immediately operationalised regarding the theft and damage to municipal cables in Kimdustria, said Col. Cherelle Ehlers of media relations.
The team pounced on two men digging a trench. Unfortunately, one suspect managed to run away.
A 28-year-old man from Lesotho was arrested on a charge of tampering with essential municipal infrastructure. He will be appearing in court soon.
Ehlers said a trench, approximately 100 m long, was discovered with a significant amount of cable already stolen, as well as damage to the remaining cable.
The damage to the infrastructure is estimated to be between R105 000 and R150 000.
The Northern Cape provincial commissioner, Lt. Gen. Koliswa Otola, commended the members for their swift response and prevention of further damage to essential infrastructure.
Tampering and damage to essential infrastructure will not be tolerated and will be vigorously policed, Otola emphasised.
