Police Recover Eskom Cables Worth R2.5-Million, 8 Suspects Arrested

A joint operation by various SAPS Units has led to the recovery of Eskom cables worth R2.5 million and the arrest of eight suspects.

Whilst most South Africans are suffering through Stage 4 Loadshedding, the suspects – aged between 29 and 49 – were responsible for stealing six rolls of aluminium cables.

The Eskom overhead cables were stolen on 29 May in a hijacking incident north of Cape Town. The truck transporting the cables was hijacked in Piketberg, and the case was registered at Moorreesburg.

An intense investigation and surveillance was undertaken, said the Provincial Commissioner Western Cape today. The suspects were identified in Cape Town, and their storage place was identified – in Trafford Street, Blackheath.

“Today, the premises were searched and six rolls of aluminium cables were seized. Eight suspects aged between 29 and 49 were arrested for the possession of stolen goods, contravention of the Second Hand Goods Act and Contravening Infrastructure Criminal Amendment Act,” said the South African Police Service (SAPS) in a statement.

The suspects will appear in the Blue Downs Magistrate’s court on Wednesday 29 June 2022 on the above charges.

#sapsWC Joint op by various #SAPS Units leads to the recovery of Eskom cables worth R2.5 million in Blackheath, 8 suspects aged between 29 and 49 arrested. The suspects will appear in the Blue Downs Magistrate’s Court on 29/06. #TrioCrimes MEhttps://t.co/qLx2FT8V9h pic.twitter.com/aoKyai3yu4

— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) June 27, 2022