Three suspects have been arrested and copper worth R130 000 recovered following a police chase in Thornhill near Humansdorp.

The suspects, aged 16, 26 and 37, were arrested on Thursday, 5 November, after South African Police Service (SAPS) members spotted a suspicious Toyota Avanza travelling in the area.

According to police, Thornhill Visible Policing officers first noticed the vehicle entering the area before spotting it again travelling from the Mondplaas direction near the R102 steel bridge.

Officers turned around to follow the vehicle, which sped off into Ferry Road, prompting a pursuit.

Police said the occupants were seen throwing objects out of the vehicle windows before it came to a stop.

Officers recovered copper stripped from a transformer, valued at R130 000, as well as several housebreaking implements at the scene.

Sarah Baartman District Commissioner Major General Thandiswa Kupiso commended the officers for their response, saying theft and damage to essential infrastructure had a serious impact on communities.

She said the arrests demonstrated police’s commitment to protecting public infrastructure and ensuring those responsible were brought to justice.

The 16-year-old suspect was released into the custody of his parents, while the two adult suspects remain in police custody.

They face charges of possession of suspected stolen property and possession of housebreaking implements. They are expected to appear in the Humansdorp Magistrate’s Court.

Police have urged communities to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities that could threaten essential infrastructure.

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