Man arrested For Allegedly Stealing Copper Cables At Matimba Power Station

Police in Limpopo have apprehended a man for allegedly tampering with essential infrastructure and possessing stolen property worth an estimated R100,000.

The incident unfolded on a Tuesday night when security officers patrolling the Matimba Power Station noticed that copper cables had been stolen from the conveyor belt machine responsible for transporting ash to the ash dump.

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The security officers promptly reported the theft to local police, who immediately initiated an investigation. By following the tracks found at the crime scene, the police began tracing the suspects.

The search intensified the following morning, on Wednesday, 19 June 2024, around 6 am, when police discovered that the suspects were burning the stolen copper at a nearby farm.

During the investigation at the farm, police found new and old burned wires, including remnants of protective shield copper wires and the smoke of burned copper, indicating the suspects were still in the vicinity.

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As the search continued, police encountered two men running through the bush and gave chase. Although one suspect managed to evade capture, his accomplice was apprehended. The arrested individual was found in possession of a school bag containing stolen copper cables and gloves.

The arrested man, a Zimbabwean national whose age is yet to be determined, is expected to appear in the Lephalale Magistrates Court on charges of tampering with essential infrastructure and possession of suspected stolen property.

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Police spokesperson Malesela Ledwaba confirmed the details of the incident and the ongoing efforts to apprehend the remaining suspect.

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