Eskom sub-contractor employee nabbed for cable theft

The 31-year-old man was caught after a speed chase with police Wednesday night.

Two other suspects - aged 31 and 47 - were also arrested at a nearby informal settlement in Lephalale.

Police spokesperson Malelesa Ledwaba says the copper cables are worth R150 000.

"A joint intelligence driven operation was conducted, and Eskom Security Team managed to locate the stolen properties that were concealed in the bushes inside the (Medupi) power plant.

"The investigation team set up a trap with a view to arrest the thieves who were expected to come back for collection of the copper cables.

"Four suspects indeed arrived on foot at the Power Plant to collect the cables on Wednesday at about 23:00 and upon discovering that they were being observed, they evaded an arrest by running in different directions and disappeared in the bushes.

"A manhunt was launched, and police managed to come across one of the suspects next to the railway line driving a Kia Picanto motor vehicle. They tried to stop him, but he sped off. A car chase ensued until he was cornered and put under arrest.

"The suspect subsequently cooperated and led police to an informal Settlement near the Power Plant where two more suspects were apprehended at their residences on Thursday."

The suspects are expected to appear before the Lephalale Magistrate Court on Monday facing charges of tampering with essential infrastructure.

The fourth suspect is still on the run.

ALSO READ: