Nelspruit Flying Squad arrests two suspects near Schagen for destroying essential infrastructure

The Nelspruit Flying Squad arrested two men, aged 31 and 38, on the N4 near Schagen in the early hours of October 6 after their truck was searched and some railway tracks were found.

According to the Mpumalanga Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation’s (Hawks) spokesperson, Captain Dineo Sekgotodi, the men are expected to appear in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court today, October 9.

She said the flying squad had received information about a truck transporting railway tracks. They identified the truck driving along the N4. It was stopped and searched, and the railway tracks were found, covered in blue tarpaulin.

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“The driver was requested to verify the load. He showed a document in the form of a photo on his cellphone as proof that the load was legal,” said Sekgotodi.

However, when the Hawks arrived at the scene and took over the investigation, it was discovered that the same modus operandi had been used in a previous case.

“The driver was informed that the documents he presented were not legal, and that SAPS members would escort the truck back to the Nelspruit SAPS. A case of tampering with and damaging of essential infrastructure and possession of suspected stolen property was opened on behalf of Transnet,” Sekgotodi said.

The outcome of the court appearance was not yet available at the time of publishing. An update will be provided once more information is received.