Police and SANParks officials arrest suspects and seize stolen copper cables during an operation in the West Coast National Park.
Image: SAPS
A late-night patrol in the West Coast National Park turned into a major copper theft bust when authorities caught a group of suspects cutting cables in the dark.
A coordinated operation by South African National Parks (SANParks), Langebaan police, the K9 Unit West Coast, and the Rural Flying Squad led to the arrest of seven suspects caught with stolen copper cables weighing 123kg and valued at R17,835, along with 28kg of PVC wire.
The arrests took place in the early hours of Monday, February 10, after SANParks members patrolling the West Coast National Park noticed something suspicious said the Western Cape police spokesperson, Anelisiwe Manyana.
A farm gate, previously intact, had been cut open and crudely secured with a cable tie. Aware that copper theft had been an issue in the area, officers called for backup and moved in to investigate.
"The police members then proceeded to the premises and found four males in the act of cutting copper cables. The four suspects were apprehended on the spot. Upon further patrols, three more suspects were arrested, and their vehicle was also confiscated," said Manyana.
The seven suspects, aged between 32 and 51, are set to appear in the Hopefield Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, February 13.
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