Yonela Somazwane (30) was arrested for the attempted theft of cables at the Huguenot Railway Station on Friday morning at approximately 07:30.
According to Jeron Roux of the DSSN control room centre, a councillor had reported suspicious sightings at the railway line after which officials were sent to investigate.
“By the time DSSN staff reached the scene, police had also arrived and good cooperation led to the successful arrest,” confirmed Roux.
“While patrolling the railway line, Somazwane, from Paarl East, was seen digging a hole containing cables.
“The suspect attempted to flee but was soon arrested,” Paarl police spokesperson Capt Louise du Plessis, confirmed.
She added that the suspect was found in possession of a spade, garden fork and a knife at the time of his arrest. He appeared in the Paarl Magistrates’ Court on Monday (7 February) and has been remanded in custody until 4 March.
“Cable and copper theft remain a problem in the Paarl area and although arrests are being made due to effective policing in the area, the trend continues in all areas of Paarl,” said Du Plessis.
“Businesses, both farm and industrial, can assist in curbing the spate of thefts by ensuring that alarms are placed in relevant areas, electrical/air conditioning units are secured and general security precautions are in place.”
