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On 30 September 2024, at approximately 12:10, a Provincial Traffic Officer stationed at the Kinross weighbridge stopped a Toyota Hilux double cab bakkie loaded with copper cables. When instructed to proceed to the weighbridge station, the driver of the bakkie ignored the officer’s orders and fled.
The Traffic Officer pursued the vehicle, which eventually overturned when the driver lost control. The Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit was called to the scene.
Upon arrival, Hawks officers interviewed the three African males found with the stolen copper cables. Their interrogation led to the arrest of a fourth suspect, a 40-year-old male, bringing the total to four.
A multidisciplinary team, including members from Hawks Serious Organised Crime Secunda, Provincial Traffic Officers, and Eskom Security, followed up on information that led them to a farm where an Eskom truck had dropped off a load of copper cables. Further investigation revealed that some of the cables had been stripped and burned. More copper cables, both stripped and unstripped, were recovered.
The team proceeded to the Tutuka Eskom Power Station, from where the cables were stolen. All seized exhibits, including the bakkie, were taken to Evander police station.
The four suspects are expected to appear in the Evander Magistrates’ Court on 2 October 2024. Investigations are ongoing, with more arrests anticipated.