GQEBERHA, EASTERN CAPE — Law enforcement authorities have made a significant breakthrough in combating a Gqeberha copper cable theft syndicate, following a swift tactical operation that resulted in the arrest of six suspects and the recovery of approximately R500,000 worth of stolen infrastructure.
The successful intervention, executed in the early hours of Friday, 30 October 2026, highlights the ongoing, critical battle to protect South Africa’s national grid from organized infrastructure crime. By targeting the logistical networks of theft rings, police aim to disrupt the supply chain of stolen materials before they reach scrap metal dealers.
The operation was launched after the SAPS Gqeberha K9 Unit received actionable intelligence regarding a white Mercedes-Benz minibus travelling towards the city. The vehicle was allegedly linked to a violent armed robbery that had occurred at an Eskom facility in the Nxuba Industrial Area on 22 October 2026.
At approximately 06:00, K9 unit members spotted the targeted minibus travelling along the N2 in the Markman area. When officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the driver failed to comply and accelerated away, sparking a pursuit. The chase was brought to an end when the vehicle was eventually forced to stop in Nomvete Street, Wells Estate.
As the vehicle came to a halt, six suspects bailed out and attempted to flee on foot. Police service dogs were deployed, with K9 Brutus successfully tracking down and apprehending one of the fleeing suspects, while tactical members pursued and arrested the remaining five individuals.
A subsequent search of the impounded Mercedes-Benz minibus led to the discovery of the stolen copper cables, valued at approximately R500,000. Eskom employees were called to the scene and positively identified the recovered cables as the exact property stolen during the Nxuba industrial robbery.
The six suspects, whose ages range between 29 and 43, have been arrested on charges of possession of suspected stolen property. The white Mercedes-Benz minibus has also been impounded to serve as crucial physical evidence for the ongoing investigation. They are scheduled to make their first appearance in the Motherwell Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 2 November 2026.
Addressing the successful operation, Nelson Mandela Bay Acting District Commissioner, Brigadier Loyiso Ngalo, commended the K9 unit members for their swift response, tactical determination, and dedication to safeguarding the region’s critical infrastructure.
The recovery of such a high-value haul of copper not only represents a significant financial save for the state-owned power utility but also serves as a strong deterrent to criminal networks exploiting the region’s industrial zones.
