GQEBERHA – Persistent patrols in hotspot areas paid off when a cable thief and housebreaking suspects were arrested by members of the K9 unit in Gqeberha yesterday, 24 September 2022.
In the first incident, at about 05:30, two K9 members were on foot patrol with their dogs, Max and Diesel at a common spot where cable thieves operate in Whyteleaf Drive in Algoa Park. While walking in the bushy area under the electrical pylons, they noticed two males carrying a big piece of electrical cable on their shoulders from a trench under the pylons. When the suspects noticed the members approaching, they dropped the cable and started to run. After several warnings to stop were ignored, Max was released and apprehended one suspect. A further search for the second suspect proved negative.
Approximately 4 metres of copper cable, a hacksaw with blades, a hammer and a metal bar were confiscated.
The property was identified as belonging to the NMB municipality.
The 37-year-old suspect is detained on a charge in terms of the Criminal Matters Amendment Act- damage to essential infrastructure. He is expected to appear in court soon.
Also on the same day, at about 15:15, K9 members were conducting patrols around the airport area where cargo is stored as several complaints were received of suspicious persons in the area. While circling the boundary of the premises, they noticed that the boundary wall was broken and the side door of the mechanical building was also broken. As the member with his dog Max cautiously approached the building, one person was seen running out of the building towards the direction of the broken boundary wall. After several warnings to stop failed, Max was released and he apprehended the suspect. A second suspect was found hiding inside the building.
A metal box containing medical equipment was seized from the fleeing suspect. Both suspects, aged 29 and 19-years-old were detained on a charge of housebreaking and theft.
They are expected to appear in court soon.
Source: South African Police Service