On Thursday 7 December, a 60-year-old female was arrested for possession of suspected stolen property during a joint operation by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) Tactical Response and Public Order Policing Unit together with Johannesburg District Crime Intelligence, SAPS Gauteng Highway Patrol, PRASA Business Investigation Unit, ADC Security Services and BPC FNB Investigators in Rietsfontein, Orange Farm.
The law enforcement operatives were following up on information regarding an owner of the Lehae La Bafokeng Palace and Resort at a plot in Rietsfontein, Orange Farm who was in possession of suspected stolen property belonging to City Power and this included transformers and copper cable.
It was further reported that the stolen property was delivered by unknown suspects with a truck and it was alleged that the property was intended moved to an unknown location.
“The operational team proceeded to the given location where the stolen City Power property was hidden. Upon arrival, the members found the owner and proceeded to search the property. During the search, the members found two (2) transformers, one (1) intact ABC 500m cable drum, approximately 500 ABC cable, an empty cable drum and ten (10) street lights all suspected to be belonging to City Power,” said JMPD spokesperson, Xolani Fihla.
City Power officials were summoned to the scene and they confirmed that the property with an estimated value of approximately R3 000 000.00 belongs to them.
Fihla added: “The suspect was questioned on how she acquired the property and she alluded that she bought the stolen property from a person whom she didn’t want to mention and who is alleged to be a subcontractor at City Power. The suspect was arrested and detained at Orange Farm SAPS where a case docket was opened for further investigation. She is due to appear in court soon.”
The JMPD Acting Chief of Police Angie Mokasi has applauded and praised all the role players involved in this success. She encourages collaboration, especially with the community. “The community is our eyes and ears, these crimes happen within the neighbourhoods and they know who the perpetrators are, and that is why we always encourage them to report,” added Acting Chief Mokasi.
