Cable theft is an ongoing problem in Nelson Mandela Bay and hampers the provision of basic services and impacts on the infrastructure.
On Thursday, 3 February 2022 at 14:15, Gqeberha K9 members received and immediately acted on information about a suspect busy stealing electrical cables next to the airport. On arrival, members saw one person removing an electric cable from a trench leading towards the airport. On seeing the police members approaching, the suspect started running. After several warnings, K9 ‘Max’ was released and apprehended the 20-year-old suspect.
A spade, a pickaxe, a hammer, and a black bag with copper wire and electrical boxes were confiscated. The damage had affected the electric cable supply power to the airport.
The suspect was detained on a charge relating to the Criminal Matters Amendment Act – damage to infrastructure. He is expected to appear in court soon.
K9 ‘Max’ apprehend cable thief https://t.co/8e75IUd4xl #ArriveAlive #CableTheft @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/xeleWoKlFR
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) February 4, 2022