An integrated operation between the Ekurhuleni Central Cluster trio task team and crime intelligence in Villa Liza, from 7pm on August 30 to 3.30am on August 31, led to the discovery of the stolen cables.
Lt Col Mack Mngomezulu, from the Ekurhuleni Central Cluster, said police received a tip-off about a white Isuzu bakkie loaded with stolen copper cables, being escorted by a silver Audi A4, heading to Villa Liza.
Police were also given both vehicles’ registration numbers.
“We acted on the information and the two vehicles were spotted on Barry Marais Road, from which members of the SAPS followed them at distance,” Mngomezulu said.
Both vehicles pulled off at a shack along Partridge Street, in Villa Liza, were the 18 men were seen offloading the cables from the bakkie and burning them.
“The police requested back-up after which the suspects were arrested, the cables confiscated and both vehicles impounded,” Mngomezulu said.
Const Nkemeleng Mabula, from the Dawn Park SAPS, said the suspects are facing charges of being in possession of stolen cables and will appear at the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court soon.
Maj-Gen Poobalan Subbiah, Ekurhuleni Central Cluster commander, has applauded the SAPS members for a well-orchestrated operation.
