By REGINALD KANYANE
7 November 2024- Three suspects aged between 19 and 39, were arrested for possession of suspected stolen goods and cable consisting of controlled metal of which the cover has been burnt. The suspects were arrested by the SAPS Second Hand Goods sub-component, the Provincial Essential Infrastructure Task Team (EITT) in conjunction with Eskom and Transnet.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Sergeant Timothy Sam said the police conducted compliance inspections at scrap metal dealers in Petrusville and Hopetown. Sam said the multi-disciplinary compliance inspections focused on illicit metals, contrabands, stolen cables, batteries, concealed business activities and combating transit crimes.
“The team confiscated burnt Transnet and Telkom copper cables, elbow fittings, pipes, solar panels, geysers and manhole covers, valued at approximately R350 000. Two other dealers were issued with official warnings and one was issued with a fine for contravening of the second-hand goods statutes.
“Pamphlets with safety hints and tips were shared amongst the employees and clients of the different dealers,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Northern Cape Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, commended the police and stakeholders involved. Otola cited that the proliferation of non-ferrous metals remains the priority of the police and requested the public to report any criminality.
“They can report them to the police or anonymously contact the SAPS at 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS App,” he said.
The Guardian 