Authorities have arrested a ninth suspect connected to an alleged cable theft syndicate and shut down an illegal scrapyard believed to be part of the operation, according to Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality officials.
The operation was carried out by Buffalo City municipal law enforcement officers in collaboration with police. The latest arrest follows the detention of two women in Bhisho last week on charges related to cable theft.
BCM spokesperson Bongani Fuzile said officers raided a vacant house in Bhisho over the weekend that was suspected of being used by members of the syndicate. During the operation, a woman was arrested while allegedly attempting to sell stolen copper cable to a scrapyard in the Bhalasi area.
Further investigations led authorities to an illegally operating scrapyard and shebeen, where another woman was arrested. The owner of the premises was also detained and now faces multiple charges.
During the enforcement action, officers recovered more than 40 kilograms of copper cable and other items believed to be stolen. Authorities say the syndicate is operating across the province, with East London and Bhisho identified as major hotspots for cable theft activity.
Police are continuing their investigation and are searching for five African male suspects believed to be linked to cable theft in the Qonce and Bhisho areas. Officials said the identities of the suspects are known to police.
Residents in Qonce, Bhisho, and Bhalasi have been urged to provide any information that could assist in locating the remaining suspects.
With the most recent arrests, a total of nine suspects are now in custody. They are expected to face charges under the Criminal and Related Matters Amendment Act.
