Three men, aged between 31 and 36, were arrested and detained following an operation conducted by the Middelburg Flying Squad in collaboration with the Anti-Hijacking Team, which led to the recovery of suspected stolen copper and bronze valued at approximately R85 000.

According to police, the operation was conducted on February 3 at around 05:35, when members were patrolling along the N4 near the Olifants River toll gate. During the patrol, officers observed a suspicious Toyota Fortuner with Mpumalanga registration plates travelling toward Johannesburg.

Police followed the vehicle and successfully intercepted it at the N12 split. A thorough search of the vehicle uncovered 11 bags of copper cable and two bags of bronze concealed inside.

“The occupants of the vehicle failed to produce any documentation to account for lawful possession of the material,” said police spokesperson Captain Mpho Nonyane-Mpe. “As a result, three suspects were arrested for possession of suspected stolen property.”

The recovered copper was estimated to weigh 345 kilograms, while the bronze weighed approximately 58 kilograms.
During the arrest, the suspects allegedly attempted to bribe the police officers by offering R16 500 in exchange for their release. The offer was immediately refused, and an additional charge of bribery was added.

Acting Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, commended the officers for their vigilance and ethical conduct.

Your city, your story, as it happens. Stay in the loop with WITBANK NEWS.
Find us on our  website, Facebook, X,  Instagram or TikTok

Got a tip? Email: info@witbanknews.co.za