Lothair SAPS intercept copper thieves; R800 bribe rejected
A subsequent search of the vehicle yielded two 20-litre buckets filled with stripped copper cables with an estimated street value of R28 350.
LOTHAIR – Three men were apprehended by local police officers, who refused a bribe.
This comes after the discovery of nearly R30 000 worth of stolen copper during a targeted patrol operation between Lothair and Ermelo on March 20.
Officers intercepted a dark grey Mazda3 which raised suspicion along the route.
A subsequent search of the vehicle yielded two 20-litre buckets filled with stripped copper cables with an estimated street value of R28 350.
According to police, the suspects attempted to secure their release by offering the two arresting officers an R800 cash bribe.
The officers immediately declined the offer and processed the trio on additional charges of bribery and corruption.
The suspects, Andile Muzi Mnisi, Thokozani Khaba and Senzo Hleza are currently facing charges of theft, possession of stolen property (copper cable), bribery of law enforcement officials, and contravention of the Immigration Act.
The trio made their first appearance in the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court on March 23, where the matter was briefly heard before being postponed.
The court remanded the suspects in custody, and they are expected to return on April 2 for a formal bail application.
