KIMBERLEY – Four men, who include three foreign nationals, are expected to appear in the Kimberley Magistrates’ Court today – Monday 20 April. This followed their arrest in connection with a cable theft syndicate operating in the Northern Cape.
The suspects, aged 31 to 43, were apprehended during separate police operations on Friday 17 April. Officers seized significant quantities of copper cables as evidence, including a white Nissan NP200 bakkie reportedly used to transport this essential stolen electrical infrastructure from Douglas to Kimberley.
Brigadier Mashay Gamieldien, spokesperson for the Northern Cape police, said the suspects face charges ranging from theft to damaging and tampering with essential infrastructure. The arrests were made with assistance from local farmers and vigilant members of the public.
The second arrest involved SAPS members in Hanover responding to a complaint from local farmers regarding several men running in different directions on a farm. An investigation revealed the suspects had harvested large quantities of copper cables.
The first arrest involved members of the Kimberley Flying Squad following a high-speed chase on the R367 road in the early hours of Friday morning.
“Officers received intelligence about a suspect travelling in a white Nissan NP200 bakkie allegedly transporting stolen cables en route to Kimberley via the R367 road from the direction of Douglas. The bakkie was pursued until the driver stopped. The passenger exited the vehicle upon stopping, and then fled into the veld. However, he was apprehended,” said Gamieldien.
She said that during a search of the bakkie, officers discovered six rolls of copper cables worth an estimated R100 000, for which the driver could not provide a satisfactory explanation.
Cables worth millions confiscated
In the Hanover incident, WO Molefi Shemane said farm workers assisted in tracking and arresting three foreign nationals at approximately 16:48 after they attempted to flee. Police are searching for an additional three suspects, who managed to evade arrest.
“The suspects failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for their presence on the farm. Further investigation revealed the trio were part of a group of six individuals involved in cable theft,” Shemane said.
Officers confiscated copper cables estimated to be worth millions of rands. The cables had already been cut and prepared for transportation.
Shemane emphasised the broader economic implications of infrastructure theft.
“The continuous damage and theft of copper cables severely constrains economic growth. Damage to essential infrastructure constitutes economic sabotage, and every citizen has a role to play in preventing it,” he said.
Police have not ruled out additional charges against the three suspects.
Authorities are encouraging members of the public to report criminal activities involving theft and vandalism of electrical infrastructure to their nearest police station, the SAPS Crime Stop number (08600 10111), or through the MySAPS App. All information will be treated confidentially.
Also read: Centlec employee arrested in a significant copper cable theft case
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