Pretoria – The Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) has arrested several suspects for various crimes that include cable theft, production of fraudulent documents, and driving under the influence of alcohol.
On Saturday, (18 November 2023), the TMPD Cable Theft Unit responded to a tip-off about suspected stolen cables at Proclamation Hill in Pretoria West.
“Upon arrival, they found two male suspects who were in possession of two rolls of copper cables,” said the TMPD.
“Upon further questioning, the two suspects led the officers to a security guard at Pretoria West Substation from where the cables were stolen.
“The suspects admitted to working with the security guard in connection with the stolen copper cables.”
The TMPD sais suspects revealed other cables had been hidden in the bushes and they were waiting for the security guard’s “all clear” call so they could collect the stolen cables.
True to their word – the suspects, who said they intended to sell the stolen cables, got a call from the guard telling them they could collect the hidden cables from the bush, where they would meet him.
“When the security guard arrived at the said location, he was arrested on the spot for defeating the ends of justice and conspiracy to commit crime,” said the TMPD.
The bent guard’s two accomplices were also arrested for possession of suspected stolen copper cables and tampering with essential infrastructure.
The TMPD said it recovered all the stolen copper cables.
On the same day, the TMPD conducted a road safety operation in Mamelodi with regional members.
Four people were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and 68 fines were issued for various road infringements.
In the Pretoria CBD, one suspect was arrested by members of the TMPD Accident Unit with the Crime Intelligence Unit for fraud.
The suspect has an office from where he allegedly sells fraudulent documents from Home Affairs, and licencing departments as well as other institutions.
He was allegedly caught with fraudulent licencing documents for a vehicle.
Other fake documents were found in his office, which included driver’s licences, identity documents, bank statements, matric certificates, and fake doctor’s booking off-sick notes.
TMPD By-laws members also conducted a joint operation with other stakeholders in the Sunnyside area, where illegal street traders were removed from the streets.
“Members of the public are encouraged to report cable theft on 012 358 1550 or to go to the client service centre in Gezina at the SANAB Building,” said the TMPD, adding that all reported information will be treated with confidentiality.
