NORTHERN CAPE – Three suspects have been arrested in Garies for the possession of suspected stolen copper and aluminium cables following a swift intervention by local police officials. The South African Police Service (SAPS) acted on credible intelligence to intercept the illicit transportation of essential electrical infrastructure.
At approximately 09:00 on Tuesday, 14 July 2026, SAPS members on patrol responded to information regarding a white Ford Ranger bakkie allegedly transporting stolen cables toward Cape Town. Officers successfully located and stopped the vehicle, subsequently escorting it to the Garies Police Station for a thorough investigation.
During a search of the vehicle conducted in the presence of the occupants, police officials recovered several bags containing suspected stolen copper, aluminium, and Eskom electrical cables. The recovered copper is estimated at a value of R19,824, while the aluminium is valued at approximately R3,330, bringing the total estimated value of the seized property to R23,154.00.
Three male suspects, aged 38, 48, and 50, were formally arrested on charges relating to the possession of suspected stolen property. In addition to the arrests, the white Ford Ranger, believed to have been utilized in the commission of the offense, was seized as part of the ongoing investigation.
SAPS officials confirmed that the suspects are scheduled to appear before the Garies Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 16 July 2026 to face the charges. The investigation remains active as authorities continue to combat cable theft and protect critical municipal infrastructure.
