The East London based Serious Organised Crime Investigation team of the Hawks jointly with Scenery Park South African Police Service Vispol as well as Combine Private Investigation Security Company ensured that four (4) suspects Vuyani Mdlankomo (40), Mziwonke Hobongwana (27), Thandiswa Mantiba (37), as well as Thandokazi Mjijwa (31) appeared before East London Magistrates’ court on 28 September 2023 for the allegations of being in possession of copper cables and damaging essential infrastructure. The suspects were arrested in a disruptive operation by the team at Scenery Park area in East London.
On 26 September 2023, it is alleged that the team reportedly received information about the blue Toyota Avanza that was allegedly coming from Elliot travelling towards East London direction. However, the information allegedly indicated that the said vehicle was loaded with stolen copper cables. The reports further revealed that the team followed up that information where the vehicle was spotted near a scrap yard in East London. It is alleged that the vehicle was stopped by the team where there were four (4) occupants inside. The vehicle was searched, and five (5) bags full of copper cables weighed 182 kg was found and the vehicle was confiscated. The total estimated value of the stolen copper is over R25 000. All four suspects were arrested on the spot.
The suspects made their first appearance at East London Magistrates’ court on 28 September 2023. The case was then remanded to 24 October 2023 for bail information as well as formal bail application.
Content retrieved from: https://www.saps.gov.za/newsroom/msspeechdetail.php?nid=48664.
