Three suspects, aged between 28 and 35, appeared briefly in the Ladysmith Magistrate’s Court yesterday (October 20) facing charges relating to possession of presumed stolen property.

The suspects were arrested in the Umbulwane area in the early hours of Friday morning (October 16) after a tip-off led police to the scene.

500kg of copper recovered

Police recovered approximately 500kg of copper, valued at an estimated R50,000. Five vehicles were also seized, some of which allegedly contained tools believed to have been used to extract copper cabling.

According to SAPS spokesperson Warrant Officer Basheer Khan, the suspects were allegedly in the process of burning the plastic casing of the copper cables when officers arrived and apprehended them.

Station commander commends community

Ladysmith Station Commander Brigadier TM Mngadi praised the community for working closely with the police, highlighting the importance of co-operation in combating crime.

He said the partnership between the community and police can only grow from strength to strength, ultimately benefiting local residents as criminals are brought to book.

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