Kroonstad: Alleged copper thieves are languishing in jail after Kroonstad police while guarding a bundle of cut overhead copper in Kroonstad.
This after a team of Kroonstad SAPS Crime Prevention Unit members led by
Warrant Officer Charles Molefi received a tip-off that there were people at the taxi rank who need to hire a motor vehicle for transportation of copper. They rushed to the Long Distance Taxi rank near the Transnet Railway Station. A man suspected to be the one in need of transport, was found and questioned. He immediately took the members to the crime scene at the silos behind the Railway Station.
On arrival at the silos, three men sitting next to a bundle of copper cables seemingly guarding it were pounced.
Police spokesperson, Captain Malebo Khosana said the trio including their peer were arrested for possession of suspected stolen property.
“While searching them two okapi knives and a hacksaw were found. Weight of the confiscated cable was found to be 366 kg of Contact Cable and 62 kg of Catinary cable with an estimated total street value of about R90 110. 89. The cut overhead pieces of copper is suspected to be the property of Transnet,” said Khosana.
The four suspects aged between 25 and 35, all illegal immigrants from Lesotho have been charged with possession of suspected stolen property and an additional charge under Immigration Act. They are expected to appear at Kroonstad Magistrate’s Court soon.
