Three suspects were arrested after they were allegedly caught digging for copper cables at a national key point at the Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport yesterday afternoon, February 22.
Police spokesperson, Capt. Sandra Janse van Rensburg, said that Gqeberha K9 members received information about suspects allegedly busy stealing electrical cables at this location at approximately 13:00.
“On arrival, the members noticed approximately ten suspects busy digging a trench to remove the electric cables. Upon seeing the police, the suspects dropped their tools and scattered in different directions. The fleeing suspects were repeatedly warned to stop and when they did not adhere, police dogs, Mufasa and Bentley, assisted in apprehending three suspects.
“They were detained on charges relating to the Criminal Matters Amendment Act – damage to essential infrastructure,” Janse van Rensburg explained.
“Spades, pickaxes, a panga, knives, cables, scissors and backpacks were also confiscated. Cable theft is an ongoing problem in Nelson Mandela Bay and hampers the provision of basic services and impacts on the infrastructure.” she added.
The suspects, aged between 24 and 28 years old, are expected to appear in court soon.
