Eastern Cape police have reported the arrest of nine suspects after an intelligence-driven operation led to the discovery of suspected stolen copper cables worth an estimated R600,000 near Kenton-on-See.
Police spokespersons said officers received information about an Isuzu bakkie allegedly transporting a suspicious heavy load from Ku Gompo towards Gqeberha. The vehicle was later reported to have broken down along the R72 near Kenton-on-Sea.
According to police, members of the Port Alfred Crime Intelligence Unit, supported by several specialised units, traced the bakkie parked alongside the road together with two other vehicles.
A search reportedly uncovered 1,619.18kg of copper cables concealed beneath a mattress in the back of the vehicle.Police further stated that tools believed to have been used in copper theft were recovered from one of the other vehicles.
Three vehicles and 11 cellphones were seized as part of the ongoing investigation.The nine male suspects, aged between 26 and 46, were arrested on charges relating to possession of suspected stolen property.
They are expected to appear in the Kenton-on-Sea Magistrate’s Court soon.Investigations are continuing.
