Tshwane District Police's intelligence-driven operations led to three arrests as officers crack down on essential infrastructure theft and vandalism, recovering stolen Vodacom and Eskom equipment during raids on second-hand goods dealers in Temba and Hammanskraal.
The operation focused on inspecting second-hand goods dealers for compliance with the Second-hand Goods Act and investigating their involvement in the purchase and sale of stolen infrastructure-related items.
The Act requires second-hand shops and pawnbrokers to keep records of every goods they acquire and sell so as to prevent theft, housebreakings and other crimes.
According to Tshwane District Police spokesperson, Captain Johan van Dyk, the businesses were identified through intelligence gathered within the Temba and Hammanskraal policing precincts.
Van Dyk stated that one suspect was arrested and charged with possession of stolen property after police discovered a Vodacom fibre distribution box in his possession.
“During the operation, one suspect was arrested and charged with possession of stolen property after officers discovered a Vodacom fibre distribution box and 16-kilogramme bundles of copper cable in his possession. An undisclosed amount of cash was also seized and booked as evidence.”
He added that two other individuals were arrested and charged with possession of stolen property and tampering with essential infrastructure. This followed the discovery of parts from an Eskom electricity tower structure, which were confirmed as Eskom property by a representative.
Van Dyk mentioned that specialised operations of this nature are ongoing, with further investigations in progress.
“Targeted operations of this nature are ongoing, with further investigations underway to ensure compliance and to trace additional suspects involved in infrastructure-related crimes,” he said.
The Star