Crime

Suspected Cable Thief Arrested After Alleged Electrocution During Theft in Perridgevale

PrimeTime News Desk Published 16 May 2026

4 min read

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A suspected cable thief was arrested in Perridgevale, Gqeberha, after allegedly being caught stealing electrical cables from a manhole in Diaz Road during the early hours of the morning.

According to reports, a security response officer was conducting a routine patrol in the area when suspicious activity was noticed near a manhole along Diaz Road. The officer reportedly stopped to investigate and allegedly found a suspect busy cutting underground electrical cables.

The suspect was immediately detained at the scene while backup was called in. Authorities later discovered that the man had sustained serious burn injuries to both hands, believed to have been caused by an electric shock while allegedly attempting to cut live cables.

Approximately 90 metres of cable was reportedly recovered during the incident. A panga allegedly used to cut the cables was also confiscated by authorities as evidence.

Members of Mount Road Police Station later arrived on the scene and took the suspect into custody for further investigation.

Cable theft continues to be a serious challenge across South Africa, with municipalities, utility companies and law enforcement agencies warning that the crime places significant strain on already pressured infrastructure systems. Stolen cables frequently result in prolonged electricity outages, interruptions to essential services, costly repairs and major financial losses.

Authorities have also repeatedly warned about the dangers associated with tampering with electrical infrastructure. Suspects involved in cable theft incidents often risk severe injury or death due to exposure to high-voltage electricity while attempting to remove or cut cables.

In many areas across the country, criminal syndicates target underground electrical and telecommunications infrastructure for the resale value of copper and other metals. Law enforcement agencies have intensified efforts to combat cable theft through increased patrols, surveillance operations and cooperation with private security companies.

The investigation into the Perridgevale incident remains ongoing. Police are expected to determine the full extent of the damage caused and whether additional suspects may have been involved.

The arrested suspect is expected to face charges related to cable theft, possession of suspected stolen property and damage to critical infrastructure.

OTHER NEWS

Two Armed Robbery Suspects Killed In Shootout With Police In Clare Estate

Two suspected armed robbers were shot and killed during a confrontation with police in Clare Estate, Durban, on Wednesday evening following an alleged armed robbery targeting a businessman on Burnwood Road.

According to information from the scene, members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) attached to Sydenham SAPS reportedly witnessed the robbery while conducting patrols in the area. Three suspects travelling in a white Kia Picanto allegedly approached and robbed a businessman of cash and cellphones before fleeing the scene.

Police immediately initiated a pursuit as the suspects sped away from Burnwood Road. The chase continued through surrounding roads before the suspects reportedly lost control of their vehicle and crashed along Clare Road in Clare Estate.

It is alleged that two suspects exited the crashed vehicle and attempted to flee on foot while opening fire on pursuing officers. Police returned fire, resulting in both suspects being fatally wounded during the exchange.

A third suspect was arrested at the scene without injury.

Authorities reportedly recovered two firearms following the shootout. No police officers were injured during the incident. Members attached to the Sydenham SAPS Trio Task Team and Sydenham SAPS Crime Prevention Unit were involved in the operation.

The identities and ages of the deceased suspects have not yet been officially released pending further investigation and possible identification by relatives.

Police are expected to investigate charges including armed robbery, attempted murder, and the unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition in relation to the incident.

As with all police shootings in South Africa, the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting are expected to be subject to an investigation by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), which oversees cases involving deaths resulting from police action.

The crime scene remained active for several hours as forensic investigators documented evidence and processed the crashed vehicle. Traffic movement in parts of Clare Road was reportedly affected while police conducted investigations.

Police have not yet confirmed whether the suspects may be linked to other armed robberies reported in the Durban area.

Investigations are ongoing.