A police dog apprehended a suspect after cable theft affected the power supply at the airport in Gqeberha on Thursday.

The canine officer, named K9 Max, was unleashed after the suspect failed to heed an instruction by police to stop running. Police spokesperson Col Priscilla Naidu said cable theft was a serious problem in the city.

“Cable theft is an ongoing problem in Nelson Mandela Bay and hampers the provision of basic services and impacts on the infrastructure,” said Naidu.   

“On Thursday ... Gqeberha K9 members received and immediately acted on information about a suspect busy stealing electrical cables next to the airport.

“On arrival members saw one person removing electric cable from a trench leading towards the airport. On seeing the police members approaching, the suspect started running.  After several warnings, K9 Max was released and apprehended the 20-year-old suspect.”

Naidu said police confiscated a spade, a pick axe, a hammer and a black bag with copper wire and electrical boxes.

“The damage had affected the electric cable supply power to the airport,” said Naidu. “The suspect was detained on a charge relating to the Criminal Matters Amendment Act — damage to infrastructure. He is expected to appear in court soon.”

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