The De Bult community members near Phuthaditjhaba, Qwaqwa, assisted with the arrest of three suspects in possession of suspected copper wire cables which were hidden at a certain shack near Old Parliament where they were burning the wires.
According to police, on Tuesday afternoon the three suspects were seen burning the cables near the Old Parliament Mountain. Spokesperson Mmako Mophiring said the three suspects’ raised the suspicion of the community, who immediately summoned the police.
“The three suspects took the roll of a cable to a certain shack for keeping, ignoring the witnesses. Upon police arrival, they found the suspects in possession of copper wire cables and got arrested. The three suspects allege they were going to sell the copper wire when confronted by the community.”
They are expected to appear before the Phuthaditjhaba Magistrates’ Court soon for facing charges of possession of suspected stolen property.
“We urge the scrap yards and second hand goods dealers to be abide by the Second Hand Good Act and keep records of people selling suspected goods to them. If the Act is ignored in one way or the other, drastic measures of law enforcement will be taken against such people and will be convicted. The reason for people to sell copper wires because a black market is allowed by scrupulous businesses being aware that their acts affects the economy of the country and infrastructure of communication. Let’s report and reject suspected stolen goods”, said the Phuthaditjhaba Cluster Commander, Major General Peter Moloi.
Statement issued by the SAPS Phuthaditjhaba Communication, Marketing and Liaison.
