Gqeberha – Copper cables to the value of R1 million were dug up from an electrical substation in Struandale, Gqeberha, on Tuesday afternoon after two security guards on duty at the substation were held at gunpoint by three men.
According to police spokesperson, Colonel Priscilla Naidu, the incident took place at 13:45 when the thieves arrived in a white LDV bakkie wearing reflector jackets and tied up the guards. They were joined by a further 5 suspects.
“The underground electrical cable was dug up and loaded into the bakkie,” Naidu said in a statement.
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She said that police were investigating a case of business robbery.
Nelson Mandela District Commissioner, Major General Vuyisile Ncata said that the threat of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, as well as essential infrastructure-related crimes remained a priority for the SAPS.
“These damages and theft is tantamount to economic sabotage therefore we will make every effort to ensure that these perpetrators are traced, arrested and convicted. We appeal to the communities to provide information on criminals who steal or interfere with and damage infrastructure,” Ncata said.
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Compiled by Junaid Benjamin
