Eight suspects, aged between 20 and 48, were arrested on Thursday, 4 June 2026, in possession of suspected stolen cellphone tower batteries valued at approximately R500,000.
The arrests followed a multidisciplinary law enforcement operation in the Phokeng policing area of the North West Province.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the operation was initiated after intelligence was gathered and investigated by the Counter Narcotics Intelligence and Domestic Drug Trafficking units at the Provincial Head Office. The intelligence identified individuals allegedly involved in the theft of cellphone tower batteries across the province, specifically targeting infrastructure in the Zeerust area, and indicated the suspects were transporting the stolen goods in a Toyota Quantum toward Phokeng.
Acting on this information, members of the Phokeng K9 Unit and other law enforcement agencies coordinated a strategic deployment along routes leading into Phokeng.
At approximately 22:30, officers intercepted a Toyota Quantum near Boshoek, which was traveling toward Chaneng. A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the discovery of four cellphone tower batteries concealed inside. The batteries, believed to be stolen from telecommunications infrastructure, along with the Toyota Quantum allegedly used in the crime, were seized as evidence.
The eight suspects were arrested and charged with possession of suspected stolen property. They are scheduled to make their first appearance in the Tlhabane Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 8 June 2026.
Acting North West Provincial Commissioner Maj Gen (Dr) Ryno Naidoo welcomed the outcome of the disruptive operation. He reiterated the police service’s commitment to combating crimes that target critical infrastructure, warning that such offenses severely disrupt service delivery, hinder economic activity, and compromise community safety.
