On Monday, 26 January 2026, three suspects aged 29, 32, and 34 were arrested for stealing copper cables from a mine in Trichardt, near Secunda.
At approximately 10:30, security officers observed the suspects at the mine and found them stealing cables. They were using a bakkie with Mpumalanga registration plates.
Police investigation revealed the displayed registration number did not match the vehicle; it was registered to a Chevrolet in Trichardt. The bakkie, which belongs to the driver’s brother, was confiscated to investigate potential involvement in other crimes.
Police arrested the suspects at the scene and charged them with theft. The 32-year-old suspect, a Mozambican national, was additionally charged with contravening the Immigration Act.
The suspects will appear in the Secunda Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 27 January 2026. Police say additional charges may be added.