K9 ‘Max’ apprehend cable thief

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.