Luck has run dry for a wanted water skelm who was bust on his bicycle in Plumstead.
The slippery 32-year-old man, who evaded arrest in Kirstenhof, could not wriggle free this time after he was cornered by officers from Combat Force who spotted him riding around on his black BMX bicycle.
The southern suburbs have been hard hit by the theft of the brass meters, the City of Cape Town saying the damage is costing thousands and causing fresh water to go to waste.
Combat Force Armed Response manager, Michael Cameron, says the suspect from Lavender Hill was caught shortly after 11pm on Saturday.
“Officers Riedewaan Heynes and Robin Fernandez were conducting patrols in Plumstead when they spotted him on his black BMW bicycle behaving suspiciously.
“When they approached him, he dropped his backpack and they asked if he had anything illegal in it.
“He said no and started to unpack it and inside was a black plastic bag with something heavy inside and that is when they saw it was a water meter.
“When they picked it up, they found there was still water dripping from it. He also had a hacksaw blade and other tools.”
The skelm was taken to Diep River Police Station where he gave cops a false name, and upon further investigation, officers found that he was wanted in Kirstenhof for a theft case.
Police spokesperson, Captain FC van Wyk, confirms the arrest and says: “A 32-year-old male was arrested in Plumstead for possession of stolen property. He is wanted in Kirstenhof for theft. He will appear in Wynberg court on Monday.”
monique.duval@inl.co.za