By Molefi Sompane
SASOLBURG – A 42-year-old man has appeared before magistrates in Sasolburg on charges of stealing copper cables worth R80 000.
The man was arrested after police intercepted his bakkie which they suspected of carrying the booty in Zamdela Township.
Police spokesperson Constable Peter Kareli said on Saturday, September 1 the driver of the bakkie tried to flee when he realised that police were following him.
“Our members of Zamdela Crime Prevention Unit came across a suspicious looking Nissan1400 bakkie near Zamdela Grave Yard. They tried to stop the vehicle but the driver sped away. A chase ensued through the busy streets of Zamdela and the driver sped without lights trying to evade arrest,” he said.
Karelisaid police kept on his trail until he was cornered forcing him to slam into a police vehicle in Chris Hani Section. The driver tried to get out of the vehicle and flee but the police caught him within a short distance.
“On investigation it was discovered that he was carrying stolen copper cables on the bakkie worth at least R80.000 but the driver refused to reveal the source of his loot.
Last month, police arrested two men with copper. The men have already appeared in court and are out on R500 bail. The copper is stolen from the railway and surrounding factories.