Manhunt for 20 armed suspects who overpowered security officers to steal R2.2m copper cable

The police say they have launched a manhunt to to trace 20 armed suspects in connection with copper cable theft in Virginia’s main Sewerage plant.

The incident, according to police spokesperson captain Stephen Thakeng, took place in the early hours of today at about 04:30.

“Three security officers were overpowered and robbed copper cable at gun point,” explained Thakeng.

It is alleged that 20 unknown men alleged to be Lesotho foreign nationals, overpowered the security officers and fired two shots, but no one was harmed.

Thakeng said a group of armed suspects allegedly fled away with a copper cable worth more than R2 million, and also stole two cartridges from the ground.

“As a result of these armed robbery and destruction of the infrastructure, the sewerage water is running back to the river,” stressed Thakeng.

A case of business robbery has been registered for further investigation by the police.

“Anyone with information leading to the arrests of these armed robbery suspects, may contact detective sergeant Madikotsi Ramoseli of Virginia Detective Services at cellphone number 083 551 1485 or to contact crime stop number on: 08600 10111,” pleaded Thakeng.