CABLE DIEF VAS

A 21-YEAR-OLD suspect from Parkwood was caught red-handed after Metro Cops found hidden train cables between Ottery and Wetton train stations.

City of Cape Town law enforcement spokesperson Wayne Dyason said the incident occurred around 1am on 12 May while members were patrolling in the Fairways area on Panton and Plantation roads when two males were spotted running across the road.

He adds: “The officers gave chase and caught one suspect. He was questioned and led the officers to a spot where they hid cables they stole between Ottery and Wetton train stations.

“The officers found 7x3m lengths underground and 13x3m lengths of signal PRASA cable.”

The accused was arrested and charged in terms of the Criminal Matters Amendment Act for damage to critical infrastructure.

Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk told the Daily Voice that the suspected boef is expected to make his first court appearance on Wednesday at the Wynberg Magistrates Court facing charges of tampering, damaging and destroying of essential infrastructure.

PRASA spokesperson Andiswa Makanda told the Daily Voice that they welcome the arrest of the suspect.

Makanda says: "We commend the swift action by law enforcement and reiterate that acts of vandalism and theft not only compromise essential public services but also endanger lives and disrupt livelihoods.

"PRASA remains committed to working closely with authorities to ensure perpetrators are held accountable.We urge communities to report any suspicious activity and continue to stand with us in protecting public infrastructure."