OFF-DUTY OFFICER FOIL COPPER CABLE THEFT WORTH R1.8 MILLION ON N1

Intercepted Truck

By: Staff Reporter

The dedication and swift action of off-duty members from the Fezile Dabi District Infrastructure Task Team resulted in the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of copper cable suspected to be stolen, valued at over R1.8 million.

On Wednesday, 17 June 2026, around 19:00, team members on their rest days received a tip-off about a truck carrying copper cable from Welkom.

The tip-off further suggested that the truck was supposed to pick up more copper cable at a known scrapyard in Kroonstad.

The team quickly mobilized and acted on the information.

The targeted truck was seen heading towards Gauteng Province on the N1 highway and was successfully intercepted just beyond the Vaal Toll Plaza.

During a preliminary inspection of the cargo, officers found that the first container was filled with bags of copper cable.

The truck and suspects were taken to Sasolburg SAPS for further processing.

Upon arrival at the police station, a further inspection by officers revealed that the second container also had a concealed copper cable hidden beneath bags of crushed aluminium cans.

All the confiscated copper cable is estimated to be worth R1.8 million.

Two male suspects, aged 27 and 59, were arrested at the scene.

The suspects are facing charges including tampering with and damaging essential infrastructure, possession of suspected stolen property, and possession of suspected stolen copper cable.

They will appear in the Parys Magistrate’s Court soon.