Traffic officers impounded a vehicle in Pelican Park on Friday February 28 for safekeeping, after finding a stolen traffic light battery installed in the vehicle.
The officers followed up on a tip-off that led them to a house in Pelican Park.
A person on the premises gave them permission to search two vehicles parked there – one of which had been fitted with a Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) battery that was positively identified as belonging to the City of Cape Town.
Mayoral committee member for safety and security, JP Smith, said: “The bright sparks behind the theft of these batteries are causing the same economic sabotage as those who steal copper cabling and other critical infrastructure, and should be charged accordingly.”
Mr Smith called on residents to help apprehend the suspects.
“We are in the process of further securing our UPS systems to prevent further losses. The City appeals to anyone with information about the theft of these batteries and any other critical infrastructure to please report it to the police or the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre.”
In recent weeks, at least 36 batteries forming part of the UPS systems at intersections have been stolen in areas including Tokai, Ottery, Grassy Park and Wynberg areas.