Local police, aided by vigilant community members, arrested four suspects from Mamafubedu near Petrus Steyn for allegedly digging up and stealing copper cables inside the newly constructed Nketoana Municipality graveyard.
According to police reports, the incident unfolded on 3 June 2025 at approximately 11:15 when residents of Mamafubedu alerted authorities about suspicious activity inside the graveyard. Officers responded promptly and discovered the suspects on-site. A search revealed pieces of copper cables in their backpacks, leading to the immediate arrest of three individuals.
At around 12:00, local detectives spotted a fourth suspect in Mamafubedu township carrying a backpack. Upon noticing the police, the suspect reportedly dropped the bag and attempted to flee but was apprehended. A subsequent search of his bag also uncovered copper cables.
All four suspects were charged with possession of suspected stolen property and appeared before the Petrus Steyn Magistrate’s Court on 4 June 2025. Three of the accused—Teboho Alex Mokoena (32), Tshediso Radebe (24), and Bongani Mbongwa (33)—were released on free bail, while the fourth suspect, Sello Mofokeng (23), remains in custody awaiting trial.
Mofokeng is expected to reappear in the same court on 27 July 2025 as police continue their investigations. Authorities have commended the community for their cooperation in combating crime and urged residents to remain vigilant in reporting suspicious activities.
