Cable theft in Nelson Mandela Bay is an ongoing issue, that disrupts basic services and damages infrastructure. In an attempt to alleviate this issue SAPS Mount Road nabbed three suspects and reclaimed stolen copper cables this morning.
According to police spokesperson, Captain Sandra Janse Van Rensburg, it is alleged that at approximately 06:30, while members were busy with patrols in the Deal Party area, they noticed a black VW Caddy coming from the New Brighton beach side.
"While in John Tallant Drive, the Caddy noticed the SAPS vehicle and immediately sped off towards Old Grahamstown Road towards the Swartkops area," said Janse Van Rensburg.
She added that during the chase, the driver of the Caddy lost control and the vehicle overturned and during the search of the vehicle the members confiscated two bags containing cobber cables.
"The three suspects were detained on charges relating to the Criminal Matters Amendment Act; damage to essential infrastructure."
She further added, that copper wire and tools were confiscated, and the vehicle was impounded.
"Further investigation revealed that the cables were stolen from a drain at the corners of Rose and Pearson Streets, in Central."
The suspects will appear in the Gqeberha Magistrate court during the week.