By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

More than 20 suspects were arrested for allegedly tampering with essential infrastructure in Rustenburg on Monday. North West police spokesperson, Brig Sabata Mokgwabone said the SSG security guards spotted a silver double Cab Nissan Hardbody V8 vehicle turning onto the R104 road in the vicinity of the ventilation shaft near a townhouse complex and followed it.

Mokgwabone said subsequently, a group of men was seen running into the bushes while firing shots in the direction of the security personnel who called for backup from the police.

“As a result, a number of suspects were arrested in the bushes and in a hole next to the ventilation shaft. A joint operation by SSG security officers, Crime Intelligence, and Rustenburg Visible Policing resulted in the arrest of 24 suspects and seized approximately two tons of copper cables worth R750 000.

“The copper cables were stolen at the Samancor ventilation shaft along the R104 road in the early hours of Monday. As the police, we believe that the fight against tampering with and damaging essential infrastructure has gained success,” he said.

Mokgwabone further said all suspects aged between 18 and 45 are expected to appear at the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on 22 June 2022 facing a charge of tampering with essential infrastructure. He added that the investigation into the matter continues.   

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena lauded the private security company’s personnel and all South African Police Service (SAPS) members for their collaboration that led to the success.

It is alleged that cable theft costs South Africa’s economy between R5 billion and R7 billion annually. The SA Chamber of Commerce and Industry said it is compelling to characterise cable theft as economic sabotage.

taungdailynews@gmail.com