To combat cable theft and damages to the railway and powerline infrastructure, the SAPS and Buffalo City Metro Municipality (BCMM) have been monitoring cable thieves in Amalinda and Cambridge.
According to police spokesperson Mluleki Mbi, a trench of about 2 kilometres had been dug and a large portion of cables had been removed.
“Members of the K9 unit arrested five suspects aged between 25 and 56 years of age and confiscated a bakkie which was used to load the cables,” he said.
He added: “Police also recovered 79 kg of copper cables and 154.15kg of lead cables, three spades, one pick and an axe. The suspects will all appear before the East London magistrates court soon on charges of tampering with essential infrastructure, possession of stolen property and bribery,” said Mbi.
“This arrest is a clear indication that the SAPS is determined to root out criminal elements and ensure that our communities are living a decent life, free of disruptions,’ said Cambridge station commander Brigadier Pumla Mdlankomo.
