Four arrested after police recovers stolen aluminium cable worth R50 000
A routine patrol by Lothair SAPS resulted in the recovery of suspected stolen aluminium cable valued at approximately R50 000 and the arrest of four suspects.
LOTHAIR – Four men have been arrested after Lothair SAPS recovered suspected stolen aluminium cable valued at approximately R50 000 during a patrol operation on the Lothair-Amsterdam Road.
According to police, Constables Shongwe and Mkhwanazi were conducting routine patrols at about 06:00 on May 26, when they noticed a suspicious black Volkswagen Golf 2 occupied by four men.
The officers stopped the vehicle and conducted a search of both the vehicle and its occupants.
During the search, they recovered black aluminium cable with an estimated value of R50 000.
Police allege the suspects admitted that the cable had been stolen in Fernie and was intended for installation at residential stands in Ermelo.
The suspects were arrested at the scene and charged with possession of suspected stolen property.
The accused were identified as Zakhele Khumalo (40), Hendry Vilakazi (34), Sandile Shabalala (25) and Sbusiso Ndlovu (25).
They appeared before the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court on May 27. The matter was postponed and the suspects are expected to appear in court again on June 9 for bail applications.
Police have requested that stations investigating cases involving damage to infrastructure and cable theft remain vigilant, as the suspects may be linked to similar incidents in surrounding areas.
The investigation continues.
