Police pounced on at least four men who were separating large quantities of copper cable from the insulation in a bushy area near a railway line in Mannys, Welkom, on Tuesday.
However, all the suspects managed to escape when approached by the police.
Police spokesperson for the Lejweleputswa district Captain Stephen Thakeng said the tactical team was on a vehicle patrol in Mannys when they noticed a plume of black smoke coming from the railway line just before 8am.
“The two members approached the spot from where the smoke came and there were more than four (men) who ran away upon noticing the police . . .” said Thakeng.
“They called for back-up to help catch the fleeing suspects but nobody was arrested and the copper on fire was seized.
“The copper cable weighed 290.5kg with a street value of R31 955.”
Thakeng said destruction of infrastructure has become a major concern around the Matjhabeng Local Municipality. – Staff Reporter