Burnt Transnet and Telkom copper cables, elbow fittings, pipes, solar panels, geysers, and manhole covers, valued at approximately R350 000, were confiscated after compliance inspections at scrap metal dealers in Petrusville and Hopetown, and three suspects were arrested.
Sgt Timothy Sam, police spokesperson, said the three suspects aged 19 to 39 years old, were arrested on 6 November for possession of suspected stolen goods and cables consisting of controlled metal of which the covers have been burnt.
This follows after members of the police’s Second-hand Goods sub-component, and the Provincial Essential Infrastructure Task Team (EITT) in conjunction with Eskom and Transnet, conducted compliance inspections at scrap metal dealers in Petrusville and Hopetown.
The multi-disciplinary compliance inspections focused on illicit metals, contrabands, stolen cables, batteries, concealed business activities and combating transit crimes.
Two other dealers were issued with official warnings, and one was issued with a fine for contravening of the second-hand goods statutes.
Pamphlets with safety hints and tips were shared amongst the employees and clients of the different dealers.
The Northern Cape provincial commissioner, Lt Gen. Koliswa Otola, commended the members and stakeholders involved and cited that the proliferation of non-ferrous metals remains the priority of the police. She requested the public to report any criminality to the police or anonymously contact them on 086-00-10111 or use the MySAPS App.
