KNYSNA NEWS - Two men were arrested in Upper Old Place in a joint operation last week between Allsound Security, the Knysna Infrastructure Group (KIG) and the police, after some suspected stolen copper cables and a hammer had been recovered.
The arrests come amid a recent spike in infrastructure theft in the area.
Police response and arrests
According to the Knysna Police's media liaison officer, Captain FC van Wyk, they had received a report of some individuals digging for electrical wire along Assegaai Road at about 16:30 on Thursday 25 June, but the suspects had already fled by the time the police arrived.
"During the search, the members spotted two suspicious-looking males walking in the vicinity, carrying a bag.
The officers stopped and searched the pair and discovered some copper cables and a hammer in the bag. The items were confiscated on the spot and handed in as exhibits for further investigation," Van Wyk said.
The two suspects, aged 28 and 35, were arrested and remain in custody. The Knysna Police registered a case of possession of suspected stolen property. The case was postponed to 3 July in the Knysna Magistrate's Court.
KIG highlights ongoing theft surge
The founder of KIG, Eugene Vermaak, said these arrests follow multiple recent incidents in the area.
Some copper cable was stolen in Upper Old Place on Tuesday last week, and there were further attempted thefts during the replacement work on Wednesday. The newly installed cable was also stolen later that same night.
Vermaak said vandalism was also reported at the Fishershaven Water Pump Station.
He confirmed at least four incidents in the past week and about eight in recent months, and said the resulting disruptions affected parts of Milkwood and Salie Street.
Joint action and prevention efforts
Vermaak said the collaboration between KIG, Allsound and the municipal technical teams saw an action plan focusing on early warning alerts and rapid response.
The KIG has vowed to continue working with security forums and authorities to strengthen prevention and target those involved in infrastructure theft.
"We must commend the municipality's technical staff for their vigilance and for alerting us immediately when they became aware of the attempted theft. Without them, this arrest would not have been possible."
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