WWELKOM – Two suspects were arrested and suspected stolen copper cable valued at more than R1,8 million was recovered following swift action by off-duty members of the Fezile Dabi District Infrastructure Task Team.

Team members who were on their rest days received a tip-off on Wednesday, 17 June, at approximately 19:00 regarding a truck loaded with copper cable from Welkom. The information alleged that the truck was scheduled to load additional copper cable at a known scrapyard in Kroonstad.

The team mobilised and operationalised the information. The targeted truck was spotted travelling towards Gauteng Province on the N1 highway and was intercepted just after the Vaal Toll Plaza.

A preliminary inspection of the cargo revealed that the first container was loaded with bags of copper cable. The truck and suspects were taken to Sasolburg SAPS for further processing.

A further inspection at the police station revealed that the second container also contained concealed copper cable hidden beneath bags filled with crushed aluminium cans.

Two male suspects aged 27 and 59 were arrested at the scene. The suspects face charges including tampering with and damaging essential infrastructure, possession of suspected stolen property, and possession of suspected stolen copper cable.

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