Harrismith Police bust six illegal foreigners with copper cable worth R1m

The Harrismith police arrested six undocumented foreigners linked to copper cable theft worth R1 million at Makgolokweng Village outside Harrismith on Wednesday, 13 April.

According to Thabo Mofutsanyana police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring, Makgolokweng Village community members alerted the police of suspicious vehicles at a certain house.

“The two vehicles, a Toyota Fortuner and an Isuzu double cab bakkie reportedly both had GP registrations,” added Mophiring.

Upon receiving the tip-off, police officers followed up the information,

When the officers arrived at the given address, they found six foreign African males and requested their documents. The men did not have any documents allowing them to be in the country.

Further investigation revealed that these suspects allegedly stole copper cables. After conducting a search, the authorities indeed found copper cables. Suspects did not have documentations to possess this copper

“The police seized a total of 44 copper cable rolls weighing 810kg and estimated at R1 million,” informed Mophiring.

The police also seized the suspects’ two vehicles used in the commission of crime, muddy blankets and bags.

Following the discovery of all these items, the police arrested the six suspects. All six will appear before Harrismith Magistrate Court on Tuesday, 19 April facing copper cable theft and illegal immigration.

“I want to applaud patriotic community members who always report crime to the police. I also want to thank our members for their swift reaction in confronting and arresting the suspects,” said the Free State Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane.