A coordinated effort between the Welkom K9 Unit and private security company SOG Security culminated in the arrest of five suspects on charges of possession of suspected stolen property this week.
The arrest occurred on Wednesday, 10 September 2025, after authorities received a tip-off from SOG Security regarding a vehicle allegedly transporting stolen copper cables. According to police reports, the investigation revealed that the occupants of a cream Toyota Corolla had previously attempted to sell copper cables to a local scrap yard but were unsuccessful.
This information was swiftly operationalized by members of the K9 Unit. The suspect vehicle was located in the Welkom Industrial area. Upon the arrival of law enforcement, the driver attempted to flee but was successfully intercepted and stopped.
After requesting and receiving permission to search the vehicle, police discovered multiple bags filled with copper cables inside. The five male occupants, whose ages range from 32 to 65, could not provide a reasonable explanation for their possession of the material.
Authorities seized approximately 50 kilograms of copper cables, with an estimated value of R8,260, and impounded the Toyota Corolla believed to have been used in the commission of the crime.
The five suspects were subsequently arrested and are expected to make their initial appearance before the Welkom Magistrate’s Court in the coming days.
