Nine suspects appear in Hendrina court after suspected mine pipes recovered
A vehicle stopped outside Hendrina was found loaded with suspected stolen mine pipes, leading to nine men appearing in court.
Nine men have appeared in the Hendrina Magistrate’s Court after being found travelling with suspected stolen mining equipment outside the town. The arrests followed a combined operation by the Middelburg Flying Squad, Farm Patrol Securities, and provincial SAPS units.
Suspected stolen pipes linked to Optimum Coal Mine
Police received information on February 12 about a group allegedly stealing from farms and nearby mines. Just after 06:00, officers stopped a white Kia bakkie with North West plates on the N11 heading toward Hendrina.
Inside the canopy, officers found eight men sitting on top of 12 HDPE pipes. Management from Optimum Coal Mine later confirmed the pipes belonged to the mine.
Police confirmed that seven adult suspects, aged 18 to 38, were arrested along with two 17-year-old minors, whose identities may not be published. The adult suspects are: Jabu Mokgopo (38), Enock Masina (34), Enock Khoza (23), Bongani Tlou (34), Xolani Mnisi (18), Vista Moyo (35), and Siyabonga Ngwenya (25).
All nine appeared in court on 13 February and were granted R500 bail each. The case was postponed to March 13.
Separate bust: R30 000 worth of tobacco confiscated
In an unrelated operation, Crime Prevention members in Dirkiesdorp stopped a white VW Caddy during routine checks on social grant payment day.
Inside, they discovered various tobacco products worth R30 000 being transported without the required excise and customs documentation. The driver, Mahimed Bhule, was arrested for illegal trade. Officials from Mahamba Border Post Customs confiscated the goods for further investigation.
Bhule appeared in the Piet Retief Magistrate’s Court on February 12 and remains in custody. He is due back in court on February 19 for formal bail application.
Police praise swift teamwork
The provincial SAPS, which issued the press statement, said the operations reflect a strong focus on protecting farms, mines, and local businesses.
Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi commended the coordinated response and warned that intelligence-driven operations will continue to target organised theft and illegal trade.
