A coordinated effort between the Petrus Steyn SAPS and local farmers led to the arrest of two foreign nationals on charges of damaging essential infrastructure following the discovery of stolen railway equipment.
The incident occurred during a crime prevention patrol near the Petrus Steyn silos, where police officers observed suspicious activity. Recognizing the potential need for reinforcement, the officers promptly called upon local farmers for backup.
Upon investigation, the combined team discovered and seized 28 stolen wooden railway locks loaded onto a truck. Two suspects, aged 39 and 33, were apprehended at the scene. However, five other individuals allegedly involved managed to flee and remain at large. A search for these suspects is ongoing.
In addition to the stolen railway locks, authorities confiscated a truck and an SUV believed to have been used by the suspects. They also seized a quantity of steel, which is also suspected to have been stolen for use in the crime.
The two arrested individuals are expected to be formally charged and appear before the Petrus Steyn Magistrate’s Court in the near future.
