Four males, aged between 36 and 48, are in custody after allegedly damaging essential infrastructure in Smithfield. The arrests followed a tip-off from a Bloemfontein scrap yard owner who reported that the suspects were attempting to sell stolen copper cables.
How the Suspects Were Caught
Police in Smithfield received information about four individuals selling approximately 30 kilograms of copper cables with an estimated street value of R550,000. Eskom officials in Bloemfontein were alerted and immediately proceeded to the scrap yard.
Upon seeing the officials, the suspects fled the scene. Further investigations revealed that the cables had been stolen from infrastructure around Smithfield, prompting the opening of a case of damage to essential infrastructure at the Smithfield Police Station.
Intelligence-Led Arrests
Acting on intelligence-driven information, law enforcement successfully tracked down the four suspects in the Smithfield area. They were subsequently arrested and are expected to appear in the Smithfield Magistrates’ Court soon.
