Duo arrested for stealing electrical transformer in West Coast

Two suspects were arrested on Friday, after the duo stole a heavy-duty electrical transformer worth about R600 000, outside Darling, along the West Coast.

SUPPLIED: Facebook - JP Smith

Mayco member for Safety and Security, JP Smith said its Metal Theft Unit (MTU) received information of that the transformer was being being stripped for its copper components.

‘’With the MTU activating the relevant agencies of Swartland municipality, it headed past Atlantis and arrived at a stores building out on a farm. Upon their approach, a male suspect was seen running from the premises but was quickly apprehended. Officers then entered the building, and another suspect was found hiding between several machines.’’

‘’Further inspections uncovered the frame of a 3000kg high-voltage electrical transformer, already stripped and disassembled. With 210L of the transformer oil already drained into plastic drums, the remaining components and switchgear had already been cut apart and was ready to be sold to scrap dealers,’’ he added.

SUPPLIED: Facebook - JP Smith

The pair will appear in a local court soon.

Smith says the arrests could not have been possible without the help of the community

‘’While we do not see ourselves having to command an army of soldiers, we are at war against crime nonetheless. We have always held our informants in high regard and have always been sure to protect their identity- not a single case exists where we have disclosed an informant's personal information. Operating with such integrity ensures we are able to continuously build on our reputation and increase our sources of credible crime (intelligence) information,’’ said JP Smith, Mayco member for safety and security.

 

Done By: Mitchum George