Members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Hanover arrested three suspects on Friday, 17 April 2026, following a swift response to a complaint of suspicious activity on a local farm.
Police responded to a call from farmers reporting several men running in different directions on the property. Upon arrival at approximately 16:48, officers, with assistance from farm workers, apprehended two male suspects, aged 31 and 43. The individuals were unable to provide a satisfactory explanation for their presence on the farm.
Preliminary investigation indicates the two suspects were part of a group of six individuals. The remaining four suspects fled the scene and remain at large.
At approximately 18:10, the farm owner contacted police a second time to report the apprehension of a third suspect, aged 35. Upon searching this individual, officers discovered copper cables estimated to be worth millions of rand. The cables had been cut and prepared for transportation.
All three suspects have been arrested on charges of possession of suspected stolen copper cables. The SAPS has not ruled out the possibility of additional charges being filed as the investigation continues.
