FREE STATE – The Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation team based in Welkom arrested a 19-year-old suspect on Friday, 17 June 2022 for theft of Transnet copper cables.

His arrest originates from an incident which took place on 30 December 2021 where the suspect was found by members of Isindingo Security Officials inside the Kroonstad infrastructure premises with two 10.5 m copper cable to the estimated value of R16 000. The matter was reported to the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation team at the time of the incident. When the matter was brought before the court it was temporary withdrawn for further investigation.

Further investigation was then conducted and on Thursday, 10 March 2022 a summons was issued to the suspect to appear in court on Wednesday, 20 April 2022. The suspect failed to appear in court and a warrant of arrest was issued where the suspect was traced and arrested on Friday, 17 June 2022.

The suspect is expected to appear before the Kroonstad Magistrates' Court on Monday, 20 June 2022.

Source: South African Police Service