A group of skelms have been arrested after they were caught red-handed trying to steal copper cables at Heideveld Station on Wednesday.
Manenberg Police Station commander, Brigadier Enolium Joseph, says the 11 men aged between 20 and 37 were caught after intensive investigations and continuous operations aimed at combating theft of Prasa infrastructure.
“The 11 males were caught red-handed as they tried stealing overhead cables close to Heideveld Station. SAPS and the Prasa Security officials made the arrest after following up information during an operation. They encountered the males damaging the infrastructure and as they approached, the males scattered. They were cornered and arrested.”
Detective Sergeant Sidweld Solomans and Detective Sergeant Daryl van Noi followed up information and retrieved cables and equipment belonging to the perpetrators.
Joseph says the suspects will be charged for malicious damage to Prasa infrastructure and the possession thereof and will soon appear in Athlone Magistrate's Court.
“The community is urged to report the damage to the high voltage cables. It is illegal to steal and destroy the transport infrastructure and it put people’s lives at risk,” he said.
“Young children could be electrocuted by live wires laying open next to fences, where children play, as these criminals take their loot and run off.”
Anyone with info on damage to Prasa infrastructure can contact Manenberg SAPS on
021 699 9400.