Two suspects have been arrested in Paarl for the possession of stolen cables and copper cables in separate incidents over the past two weeks.
According to Capt Louise du Plessis, police spokesperson in Paarl, one suspect, Elliot Ndumiso was arrested for possession of pieces of copper cable in an operation held at Paarl Brickfields.
Ndumiso appeared in the Paarl Magistrates’ Court on Monday (15 January), when he was released on R1 000 bail. He will reappear in court on 20 February.
Another suspect, Mandilakhe Macala, who is reportedly from De Doorns was arrested after being caught in possession of approximately 365 kg copper cables on Denneboom Rd.
Du Plessis said Macala is set to appear in the Paarl Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (17 January).
In another incident last week (12 January) 450 m of electrical cables in the Suider-Agter Paarl area were stolen.
Du Plessis said these cables have an estimated value of R250 000.
Electrical boxes at businesses have also been targeted.
She said although the cable-theft task team of the Cape Winelands District Municipality has had successes in partnership with Transnet and the Drakenstein Municipality task teams, cable theft is still an ongoing concern.
Members of the public are urged to report any suspicious-looking activities or provide information to prevent the theft of copper cables by contacting Crime Stop 0860010111 or Paarl police on 021 807 4007/8/9.
