Six men using the vehicle of a company hired to fix a broken substation in Gelvandale were arrested on Friday for cable theft near the Ditchling substation and later released.
The company was hired to replace underground pipelines, and take the old ones to a municipal depot for storage.
Police spokesperson Captain Andre Beetge said the men were arrested at 3.45pm.
He said the suspects, aged between 25 and 40 years, were found in the bushes and not on site, resulting in the arrests.
But the men were released after detectives withdraw the case due to insufficient evidence.
Andile Truck Hire and Civils director Andile Sqwepu said he was perplexed and disappointed after his workers were arrested.
He said the allegations were absurd and had far-reaching implications that could tarnish his brand.
“As the management of Andile Truck Hire and Civils, we extend a word of thanks to the officials of the municipality who willingly came forward to explain that the company is contracted to discharge its responsibilities of repairing and installing electrical cables, and therefore not involved in recalcitrant and unlawful conduct,” he said.
He said the company would commit to ensuring that it acted against any criminals.
Algoa Park Neighbourhood Watch president Mario Zeelie said he called UPC Security for assistance on Friday after receiving a tip-off.
He said when he arrived, the bakkie was fully loaded with underground cables.
“The six men were found in the process of preparing the cables for selling,” he said.
Zeelie said cable theft was rife in the area, with other suspects caught on Thursday stealing Telkom cables.
“This is an endless battle.
Last month, copper cables worth R200,000 were stolen from an electrical substation in Struandale after two security guards were held at gunpoint by three men dressed as municipal officials who arrived in a white bakkie.
HeraldLIVE