SAPS Detective Constable: Ryno Sass
The Namakwa District Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, welcomed the successful conviction and sentencing of Arrie Paulse for tampering with and damaging essential infrastructure, following diligent investigative work and effective collaboration within the criminal justice system.
The conviction stems from an incident on 9 October 2022, when members of the Brandvlei Visible Policing Unit were conducting routine patrol duties and observed Paulse behaving suspiciously while carrying a backpack.The vigilant members approached and stopped and searched the suspect’s backpack and discovered burnt copper wire in his possession.
Paulse was unable to account for the copper and alleged that he found it near Kardoesie Shop in Brandvlei.
The meticulous investigative work conducted by Detective Constable Ryno Sass revealed that Paulse had unlawfully cut and stole copper cable belonging to Telkom, resulting in the damaging of essential infrastructure without lawful authority or permission.
On Wednesday, 14 October 2026, Paulse pleaded guilty to the charge of tampering with and damaging of essential infrastructure and sentenced to 10 years’ direct imprisonment, which three years are suspended for five years, resulting in an effective seven-years imprisonment.
The court further declared him unfit to possess a firearm. SAPS management commends the meticulous investigation by Detective Constable Ryno Sass.
The collaboration between SAPS and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), is appreciated and commended.
The Brandvlei Visible Policing Unit’s vigilance, proactive policing and decisive intervention led to the initial discovery of the copper wire and ultimately set in motion the investigation that resulted in this successful prosecution.
Which sends a clear message that crimes involving the theft of copper cables and the destruction of essential infrastructure will be vigorously investigated and prosecuted.
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