Midvaal community action leads to arrest of five cable theft suspects

MEYERTON - The Midvaal Local Municipality says community action led to the arrest of five people suspected of cable theft in Meyerton, Gauteng. Midvaal municipal spokesperson, Hettie Fowlds, today said in a statement a Meyerton resident’s quick thinking and prompt action led to the apprehension of five individuals engaged in suspicious activity on the morning of Wednesday, September 6, 2023. Mr Johan Trauernicht immediately posted a message on the newly established crime prevention WhatsApp group and contacted Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Public Safety and Roads, Councillor Gerrit Viljoen. Fowlds says the community's swift response played a pivotal role in capturing the suspects, who were found in possession of approximately 150 meters of stolen electricity cables. She said upon the arrival of Afrigaurd personnel at the scene, they secured the area until the South African Police Service (SAPS) infrastructure unit took over and subsequently arrested the suspects. Fowlds said this incident highlights the ongoing challenge faced by the Midvaal Local Municipality, where millions of rands are expended annually due to cable theft and electrical infrastructure vandalism. These resources could otherwise be allocated to improve infrastructure and enhance service delivery for our community. In just the past two weeks, 12 electrical pillar boxes were vandalized and now require replacement.

PHOTOS: (Midvaal Local Municipality)