Pretoria – Two suspects have been arrested for allegedly stealing electricity pylons in Lenasia, south of Johannesburg, City Power said on Monday.
The theft of the electricity pylons, earlier this month, which cost City Power R20 million, led to massive power outages in Lenasia, Eldorado Park, Klipspruit, Nancefield, Daveland and surrounding areas and plunged these suburbs and townships into darkness for a number of days.
The two suspects, who were arrested at the weekend, after allegedly being found in possession of the materials, were allegedly committing another crime when a citizen's arrest was made.
City Power Media Relations Consultant Hloni Motloung said the apprehension of the two suspects followed extensive intelligence work done by City Power’s investigating team in the aftermath of the first electricity pylon theft.
Motloung said City Power officials spotted suspicious activity while they were patrolling the vicinity of where the pylons were stolen.
“Upon investigating, they noticed one of the suspects on top of the pylon unbolting the nuts from the lattices, while his accomplice was keeping watch underneath.
“City Power officials approached them and effected a citizen’s arrest. Upon further investigation and questioning, the two suspects admitted that they know the identity of a scrap metal dealer that purchases stolen lattices from the structures,” he said.
According to Motloung, the suspects further confessed that they were also involved in the previous incident whereby the two structures collapsed in Lenasia.
“City Power is delighted with making this breakthrough which is a major victory for law-enforcement and for the residents of Johannesburg who had to endure power outages induced as a result of theft.
“We wish to urge our customers to report any suspicious activity to City Power and to law enforcement authorities to ensure that we put an end to these nefarious activities,” he said.
The suspects have been charged with theft and are held at the Lenasia Police Station, where they are expected to appear in the local court soon. - SAnews.gov.za
