JOHANNESBURG -  Sifiso Dlamini, 35, Karido Makam, 36, Eric Mthembu, 26, and Robert Mabunda, 47, remained in custody and they would be back in court on August 28, Lieutenant Pumzile Makaula said.

Makaula said they were arrested by Transnet securities who called police after they were found in possession of copper cable estimated to the value of R273,000. It was not immediately known how they stole cables.

"They said suspects were from Johannesburg travelling in a navy Ford Bantam bakkie."

She said their five accomplices were still at large. It was not clear if they were travelling in another car.

Investigations were continuing, Makaula said.