Suspects in Modderrivier were apprehended with tower batteries worth R500 000

Eight tower batteries worth over R480 000 were found by Modderiver police, suspected to have been taken from one of the network towers in Qebhehra, Northern Cape.

SUSPECTS ARRESTED FOR STEALING TOWER BATTERIES

Captain Olebogeng Tawana, the police spokesperson, said police in Modderrivier were activated when intelligence was received regarding a vehicle on the N12 from Qebherha travelling towards Modderiver filled with suspected stolen network tower batteries.

According to Tawana, police observed the alleged car, a white Toyota Fortuner, on the N12 in response to intelligence gathered.

“One suspect leaped out of the vehicle and escaped on foot after it was pulled over, while the other suspect was captured. The police are on the lookout for the fugitive.

“On a charge of Criminal Amendment Act, the apprehended suspect is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday, May 2, 2022.”

Tawana, Captain Olebogeng

Major General Johan Bean, District Commissioner of the Frances Baard, praised members for responding quickly and detaining the suspect after obtaining intelligence.

Meanwhile, on April 13, three men were saved from a vigilante mob. In Ha-Mangilasi, Limpopo, the trio was assaulted and their vehicles were set on fire.

Officers received complaints about the vigilante attack at 18:15, according to Lieutenant-Colonel Mamphaswa Seabi.

According to reports, the mob began assaulting the three men after they allegedly caught them stealing batteries from a TLB Machine.

“When police arrived on the scene, they were able to save the victims from the enraged mob, who had already suffered terrible injuries.”

“After that, the three suspects [victims] were escorted to the hospital and admitted under police guard,” Seabi said.

The three guys have been charged with stealing and pointing firearms by the police, and they will appear before the Vuwani Magistrate’s Court once they are fit to do so.

Meanwhile, no members of the vigilante group have been apprehended; the inquiry is still underway.