A sting operation by the Nelson Mandela Bay municipality culminated in the arrest of an official for allegedly stealing electrical copper cables from the metro’s Harrower Road depot.
The cables were part of exhibits used as evidence for infrastructure theft-related cases.
The municipality was tipped off about the possible theft and the city’s safety and security department set up the sting operation.
After receiving the tip-off, a security team followed the suspect, a second-hand goods inspector responsible for working with the police to ensure scrap metal dealers are compliant and for safeguarding evidence for criminal cases.
The official was followed to the premises of a scrap metal dealer in Sidwell, where he was observed and recorded allegedly selling copper for R8,500.
The police were alerted and the official was arrested.
Under questioning, he allegedly implicated a colleague who is now also under investigation.
Bay safety and security acting executive director Shadrack Sibiya said the municipality condemned the unprofessional and unethical conduct.
“The municipality will leave no stone unturned in dealing with criminal elements in our law and enforcement efforts.
“Members of the public and employees who observe or witness criminal activities in our metro are encouraged to report these to law enforcement agencies for swift action that ensures we reclaim our streets and reduce crime and vandalism in our metro.”
HeraldLIVE
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