TAMBUNAN: Persistent thefts of telecommunications cables here were halted after villagers in Kampung Mogong detained two men suspected of repeated offences and handed them over to police.
The arrests followed weeks of unease among residents after similar incidents were reported across several parts of the district, disrupting services and fuelling suspicion within the community.
The suspects, aged 42 and 32, were apprehended through villagers’ vigilance and informal surveillance before being surrendered for further investigation.
Residents said the men claimed to be from Kota Belud, reinforcing beliefs that earlier cable thefts here may involve the same individuals.
A Kampung Mogong resident said villagers had often been wrongly blamed in past cases, urging closer cooperation and stronger monitoring by authorities to prevent repeat incidents.
