Gqeberha K9 and Flying Squad arrest suspects for damage to infrastructure
The theft and damage of copper and steel cables hampers the provision of basic services and impacts on the infrastructure hence the South African Police embraces the fact that the community is standing together in this fight by providing information and assisting police in apprehending suspects. Five suspects were arrested in two unrelated cases in Humewood and Bluewater Bay respectively over the weekend.
In the first incident on Saturday 23 September 2023 at approximately 03:15, Gqeberha K9 and Flying Squad members were conducting crime prevention duties in areas prone to damage to infrastructure. While driving along Allister Miller Drive in Humewood, next to the airport, members noticed three suspects busy digging. The members stopped to investigate, however when the suspects noticed the SAPS, they jumped out of the trench and ran away. W/O Damian Theron gave the necessary warnings for the suspects to stop and after failing to heed to the instruction, K9, Mufasa was released and he apprehended a 31-year-old suspect. A backpack with tools was also confiscated.
In another unrelated case on Saturday 23 September 2023 at approximately 22:15, Gqeberha K9 and Flying Squad members received information of a housebreaking in progress at Aloes sub-station, Eilleen Drive, Bluewater Bay. On arrival they found that a private security company had apprehended two suspects. Police continued searching the premises. W/O Damian Theron gave the necessary warnings to anyone who might still be hiding however when there was no response, K9 Mufasa was once again released and he apprehended two suspects that were hiding inside.
The damages to the Aloes Sub-station is estimated at R5 million rand. Handsaw, spanners, side cutters, screwdrivers and knives were also confiscated.
The five suspects aged between 19 and 31 were detained on charges relating to the Criminal Matters Amendment Act – damage to essential infrastructure
The suspects will appear in the Gqeberha and Motherwell magistrate court respectively on Tuesday 26 September 2023.
Source: South African Police Service