On Monday, police in Northam, Limpopo, arrested seven people for allegedly being in possession of stolen copper cables worth R250,000.
Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, a provincial SAPS spokesperson, said that the seven were caught while moving allegedly stolen copper wires along the Middeldrift-Koedosdorp public road.
Sunday, January 22, 2023, at around 9:00 p.m., copper wires were stolen from a nearby farm, according to information obtained by the police regarding individuals driving a white Ford Ranger bakkie.
“A tactical joint operation in collaboration with farmers was conducted in the area and subsequently, the motor vehicle fitting the description given was spotted along the said road and was tactically stopped by the Police.
“The motor vehicle with four male occupants was searched and Police found copper cables and the four could not be able to accounted for their origin. The four male suspects were immediately arrested for possession of suspected stolen property,” said Ledwaba.
The owner of the property came on the scene and positively recognised the copper lines that had been taken.
According to Ledwaba, early investigations suggested that the copper cables were to be sold at Northam RDP Section, thus the police went there.
Upon arrival, authorities discovered a 42-year-old woman suspected to be the copper’s buyer along with two men in possession of several bags including freshly stripped copper cables, bathroom faucets, and Transnet copper wires. Ultimately, the woman confessed that she was unlawfully dealing in copper wires, and the three suspects were promptly arrested.
“Further police investigations may possibly positively link the suspects with a series of burglaries committed in the area following theft of taps, copper pipes, air conditioners, copper pipes and crop circle motors.
“The suspects aged between 29 and 46 will appear before the Northam Magistrate court soon, facing charges of possession of stolen property valued at R250 000,” said Ledwaba.
He said that police investigations are continuing.
»Seven suspects arrested in Northam, Limpopo for allegedly stealing R250,000 worth of copper cables«