Members of the Middelburg Flying Squad Unit, working alongside the Nkangala Anti-Hijacking Task Team, have arrested six men in Tasbet Park, Witbank, following an intelligence-driven operation into copper theft.

​The suspects, aged between 21 and 45, were arrested around 08:00 on Monday (September 7).

According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, police spotted a white Opel Corsa carrying six men.

Ndubane said after stopping and searching the vehicle, police uncovered a large sum of cash, a firearm, and three rounds of live ammunition.

​”A formal case of copper theft linked to a local mine has been opened. Police suspect the group may be connected to a broader string of copper thefts at nearby mining sites, where armed gangs have previously shot at and intimidated security staff,” said Ndubane.

​Ndubane added that police are currently working with the Department of Home Affairs to verify the immigration status of all six men, who are suspected to be foreign nationals.

​The group appeared before the Emalahleni Magistrate’s Court today (September 8), facing charges related to illegal immigration and copper theft, with further charges expected as investigations continue.

The outcome of the court was not yet known at time of publication.