Cape Town - Police have made a breakthrough into the hijacking of a truck transporting Eskom aluminium overhead cables worth R2.5 million in Piketberg, arresting eight suspects in Blackheath on Monday.
Police spokesperson Ndakhe Gwala said following an intense investigation and surveillance, the suspects were identified in Cape Town, which led to the identification of the storage place in Trafford Street, Blackheath.
“The premises were searched and six rolls of aluminium cables were seized. Eight suspects aged between 29 and 49 were arrested for the possession of stolen goods, contravention of the Second Hand Goods Act and Contravening Infrastructure Criminal Amendment Act.The suspects will appear in the Blue Downs Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday on the mentioned charges,” he said.
The breakthrough comes after Police Minister Bheki Cele said multi-disciplinary specialist task teams were being set up and piloted in 18 identified districts across the country to clamp down on theft of economic infrastructure including Eskom cables and illegal mining.
Cele said specialised multi-disciplinary economic units would be set up upon completion of a work study investigation that will determine placement, responsibilities and resources. It is expected to be concluded at the end of this year and implemented in the following financial year.
The task teams will consist of experienced members drawn from visible policing and operations, crime intelligence and detective services to focus on damage to and theft of economic infrastructure, extortion at construction sites and illegal mining.
“The number of specialised units to be established depends on the outcome of the work study investigation,” he said.
Cape Times