Three Lesotho nationals, who are allegedly part of a syndicate, were arrested on Tuesday in Mbekweni for being in possession of stolen Spoornet signal and copper cables worth R900 000.
According to WO Nceba Vanqa, spokesperson for the Mbekweni police, the police followed up on the tip-off they received from a reliable source.
The arrest was made by police members of the Economic Infrastructure Task Team (EITT) of the Cape Winelands District together with Mbekweni and Paarl police on Tuesday (31 October) at approximately 07:00 in Mpumelelo Street.
“A search was conducted at an identified shack and two Lesotho nationals were arrested by the task team after discovering 1 000 Prasa and Transnet signal and contact copper cables that were cut off in 1-metre pieces inside the shack,” Vanqa said. “The value of the cables was estimated at R900 000, which includes damage to the infrastructure.”
A third suspect was arrested later the same day and was linked to the same case by members of the Mbekweni police.
“It is alleged that the suspects reside in Johannesburg and are part of a syndicate focusing on contact copper cables on railway lines,” added Vanqa.
The suspects aged 33, 35 and 40 are set to appear in the Paarl Magistrates’ Court today (2 November).
