Cellphone tower batteries worth R1m stolen

A man was expected to appear in court for allegedly stealing 14 batteries from cellphone masts, Kimberley police said.

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Kimberley - A man was expected to appear in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday for allegedly stealing batteries valued at R1 million from cellphone masts in Kimberley, police said.

Police spokesperson Lieutenant Olebogeng Tawana said members of the Kimberley flying squad responded to a housebreaking complaint when they spotted a suspicious bakkie on the N12 outside Kimberley.

“The red double cab Toyota bakkie sped off as soon as its occupants noticed the police. A high speed chase ensued between the police and the suspects. Two of them fled the scene on foot and one was arrested,” said Tawana.

“Eleven cellphone signal tower batteries were found loaded on the back of the bakkie and 13 on the back seat. The value of batteries recovered is estimated to be R1 million.”

An investigation into the incident was underway.

ANA