The Victoria West SAPS, in collaboration with Transnet Security, the Victoria West Highway Patrol, and local farmers, successfully apprehended two additional suspects for tampering with essential infrastructure. The suspects may also be connected to a copper cable theft incident reported in the same area the previous week.
IN A CO-ORDINATED effort by law enforcement, with support from local farmers, two suspects were arrested on January 27 for allegedly stealing copper cables valued at R60,000 from a guest farm near Three Sisters, within the Victoria West policing area.
The suspects may also be connected to a copper cable theft incident reported in the same area the previous week.
According to Northern Cape police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Sergio Kock, officials from the Victoria West SAPS, Transnet Security, and the Victoria West Highway Patrol responded to a tip-off about copper theft in progress on the guest farm at around 10am. Acting swiftly, the team caught four suspects red-handed, but two managed to escape into the surrounding veld.
The arrested suspects, aged 25 and 31, are foreign nationals and face charges of tampering with essential infrastructure. Authorities are continuing their search for the two remaining suspects who fled the scene.
The provincial commissioner of the SAPS in the Northern Cape, Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola, praised the collaborative efforts of the police, security personnel, and local farmers. She highlighted that the operation sends a strong message: the Northern Cape will not be a safe haven for criminals or organised crime.
The suspects are expected to appear in the Victoria West Magistrate’s Court soon. Investigations are also under way to determine if they are connected to another copper theft incident reported in the same area the previous week.
This latest incident highlights the ongoing fight against copper cable theft, a crime that disrupts essential services and infrastructure. The police have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
