Pretoria - A joint operation between the SAPS’ crime intelligence unit and the Hawks has led to the arrest of an alleged copper cable kingpin.
The 37-year-old suspect was arrested on Tuesday in Westernburg, just outside Polokwane, after being found in possession of stolen copper cables worth R700 000.
“Further investigations led the team to a scrap metal in Ladana were a further 800kg of suspected processed copper was confiscated,” Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi said.
According to Mulaudzi, preliminary investigations have found that the suspect is linked to 16 cases of cable theft and one of murder in Gauteng, as well as four cases of cable theft in the Polokwane and Seshego areas.
“The suspect is expected to appear today in the Polokwane Magistrate Court on charges of theft and other related charges.”
Rhino poacher killed
In another incident, police are investigating a case of murder, after an alleged suspected rhino poacher was shot and killed by Kruger National Park (KNP) rangers.
It is alleged the rangers on Monday spotted three suspected rhino poachers near the Shingwedzi Camp and when confronted a shootout ensued. One of the suspects was shot dead while the two managed to escape.
“No KNP rangers were injured during the deadly confrontation. A rifle and an axe have been confiscated while efforts are continuing to identify the late suspect,” Mulaudzi said.
Suspect arrested for kidnapping
In a separate incident, also in Saselamani, police have arrested a 31-year-old suspect for kidnapping and raping two children.
According to Mulaudzi, the two girls aged and 13 and 14 were allegedly kidnapped and taken to a house where they were repeatedly raped.
“The missing children were reported to the police. A search party between the police and community led to the discovery of the children after they were released by the suspect.”
The suspect was cornered before fleeing the village and will appear at the local magistrate’s court today on two charges of rape and kidnapping. - SAnews.gov.za
