Durban – Acting on a tip off, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) conducted an operation and discovered Transnet copper cables with an estimated street value of R550 000 at a house in Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal.
Hawks spokesperson Captain Simphiwe Mhlongo said the joint operation conducted on Sunday included members from the Newcastle based Hawks' Serious Organised Crime Investigation team and the Ladysmith Crime Prevention team.
He said police received information about a suspect who was in possession of stolen copper cables.
He said a joint operation was conducted and teams proceeded to the house.
Mhlongo said the suspect, Bongani Mbatha, 31, was arrested for possession of stolen copper cables at Tsakane location in Ladysmith.
“A search was conducted and copper cables with an estimated street value of approximately R550 000.00 were found.”
Mhlongo said Transnet officials positively identified the copper cables as Transnet property.
“Mbatha was placed under arrest and charged with possession of stolen property. He briefly appeared in the Ladysmith Magistrates’ Court yesterday [Tuesday] and he was remanded in custody,” he said.
The Hawks said the case was postponed to September 23, 2022 for legal representation.
Police said copper cable theft, burning of passenger trains, vandalism and malicious damage to property impact negatively on our economy.
“If you see something, say something. Report to the SAPS Crime Stop 08600 10111.”
