Viljoensdrif: A roadblock manned by members of SAPS netted three male suspects for possession of suspected stolen copper cable on Thursday, 22 July 2021 at about 00:05. This roadblock was conducted on R52 road in Viljoensdrif.
A member in charge of the road block, Lt Col Joseph Moiloa said they stopped a VW mini bus with GP registration number plate. He pointed out that there were three male passengers on board in this mini bus.
On further probing, they found a bundle of copper cable loaded inside. The three suspects could not give a comprehensive reason why they possess this massive copper cable. They were arrested for possession of suspected stolen cable.
Furthermore, it was established that the copper cable belongs to Transnet as identified. It was stated that it was stolen at Dreunberg Station between Bethulie and Molteno in Burgersdorp.
According to Transnet employees the value of these overhead cables is about R900 000 with a repair cost to the value of up to over a R1000 000. As they were processed it was also discovered that they are illegal immigrants. They also have infringed the Disaster Management Act (DMA) COVID -19 Regulation – Curfew.
The three suspects aged between 35 – 45 years will be charged for possession of suspected stolen goods, being illegal immigrants and DMA COVID -19 Regulation – Curfew.
Free State Provincial Commissioner Lt Gen Baile Motswenyane lauded the members for ensuring that criminal activities are not tolerated on our roads.
“Copper cable thieves cannot be allowed to freely steal our essential infrastructure and get away with it. This success is an indication that our presence during these operations is indeed yielding good results,” concluded the Provincial Commissioner
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