Three suspects were arrested in Reitz after transformers that are believed to have been stolen were found in their possession.
After a preliminary investigation into theft on a farm in Reitz, a discovery was made in a scrapyard behind a bottle store in Petsana, Reitz, where these transformers were found.
On 23 November 2023, a 33-year-old farm supervisor visited three farms he worked on in the Reitz district. He discovered that goods from these farms were missing or stolen.
He reported the case to the police in Reitz and a case of theft of infrastructure was registered for further investigation.
The transformers are worth an estimated R23 000, each. These transformers were used to pump water to the planted crops.
On Wednesday, 27 November, members of the Reitz detective unit were busy with their preliminary investigation when they received information about a house where the stolen goods might be.
The team went to the house and discovered that it was a bottle store in Petsana. On arrival, they searched the premises and at the back, on which heaps of scrap and 50 kg bags of cans were kept.
Police members found two stolen transformers – from the two farms. In another room, aluminum scrap and copper cables worth an estimated R6 800 belonging to Telkom were seized.
The transformers valued at R46 000 were booked and three suspects (aged 32, 42 and 53 years) were arrested for theft and two counts of possession of suspected stolen goods.
More arrests are imminent, and the three will appear in the Reitz Magistrates’ Court soon.
