The suspected cable thief was electrocuted in Phase 6 during the early hours of Thursday (9/4) morning. Police confirmed he was declared dead at the scene following an incident linked to the alleged theft and vandalism of electrical infrastructure.

At around 01:50, police and armed response teams received a tip-off about people allegedly stealing overhead electrical lines in Phase 6. Centlec security services and police responded swiftly and proceeded to the scene to investigate.

Upon arrival, officers reportedly encountered two suspects believed to be involved in the theft of overhead line infrastructure. A male suspect was declared dead at the scene due to electrocution.

The second suspect fled and remains at large, said Centlec acting spokesperson Tshidiso Leba. During a search, police recovered a shovel and a pair of gloves believed to have been used in the commission of the crime. The items were seized and will form part of the ongoing investigation.

“Centlec strongly condemns acts of cable theft and vandalism of electricity infrastructure,” said Leba, “which continue to pose a serious threat to the stability of electricity supply in Mangaung.

“These criminal activities not only disrupt power supply to homes, businesses and essential services, but also place lives at risk and cost the utility millions of rands in repairs and replacement of infrastructure,” he said.

Perpetrators may face severe legal consequences, he warned. Centlec “reiterates that tampering with electrical infrastructure is extremely dangerous and is a criminal offense that can lead from 15 to 30 years’ imprisonment if found guilty.”

They will continue to work closely with law enforcement agencies to combat electricity-related crimes and protect critical infrastructure. “Members of the public are urged to report any suspicious activities related to electricity infrastructure to the nearest police station or through Centlec’s reporting channels.”

Investigations into the incident are ongoing. Authorities are working to identify and locate the suspect who fled the scene, Leba added.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi sm

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