Frankfort cops recover stolen copper cable, three suspects nabbed

Three suspects have been arrested on Monday, June 13, for allegedly being in possession of 39 bundles of copper cable, while they were attempting to ditch away from the cops.

Police spokesperson in Fezile Dabi, captain Malebo Khosana said the police instigated a probe into a criminal case docket for possession of suspected stolen property and tampering with essential infrastructure after three foreign nationals were arrested in Heilbron.

“Before the arrest, the Heilbron SAPS were tipped by the Frankfort SAPS that Basopa security members were chasing a suspicious vehicle on R34 road from Frankfort towards for suspected stolen cable,” said Khosana.

“The vehicle in question, a Ford Ranger, approached and could not stop when police signaled it to stop.

“Instead, it passed at a high speed which prompted a hot pursuit. The fleeing car driver relented and stopped the vehicle on the side of the road.

“Four males jumped out of this motor vehicle and ran into the mielie fields. They were chased on foot with assistance of the farmers in Heilbron vicinity, he added.

Khosana said three suspects were arrested and 39 bundles of copper cable poles were found in the vehicle.

“The other suspect was not found as he disappeared in the veld,” he said.

It was discovered that the suspects are foreign nationals from Zimbabwe and Malawi.

A copper cable, three bolt cutters and the vehicle, a Ford Ranger were confiscated by the police.

“The trio aged 29, 32 and 50 will be charged for possession of suspected stolen property and tampering with essential infrastructure,” detailed Khosana.

The alleged suspects are expected to appear soon before the Frankfort Magistrate Court.