Pic: SAPS
The Uitenhage K9 Unit has arrested four suspects under the Criminal Matters Amendment Act for damaging essential infrastructure in Nelson Mandela Bay.
Police spokesperson, Captain Gerda Swart says members were patrolling on the Perseverance gravel road on Friday evening, when they noticed a truck carrying three 1000L water tanks, seemingly having some engine problems.
She says the driver of a white Isuzu bakkie was assisting the truck.
They alleged that they pumped the water out of the Swartkops River.
Swart says police followed the water trail towards the main water pipeline and discovered that it was severely damaged and water was leaking extensively.
She says Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality was immediately notified as the pipeline supplies water to different residential areas in the Metro.
Police later found the truck, which was being towed by the bakkie, on the M19 in the direction of Swartkops.
The four men, aged between 20 and 48 were arrested and they will appear in the Uitenhage Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
Police also confiscated their vehicles and equipment, including a water pump, ten-pound hammer and a 60m fire hose
Captain Swart says the damage to the pipeline is estimated to be more than R450 000.
