FREE STATE - The joint activation by police, private security and farmers led to the arrest of six suspects in Marquard, found with eight stolen network batteries.

It is alleged that on Wednesday, 3 August 2022 at about 03:00, the police received information from the community with regard to unknown men digging network boxes and cutting copper cables.

Police acted on the information and arrested the first suspect near a filling station sitting inside a vehicle. He was arrested for possession of suspected stolen properties after eight network power box batteries were found in his possession.

Members mobilized local farm representatives through their Rural Safety Coordinator and private security to help trace the other suspects. At about 8:00, the team received intelligence led information on five other suspects hiking near a certain farm to Senekal. The team quickly responded and arrested the three suspects who were successfully linked to the first arrested suspects. Two other suspects managed to escape but were chased and arrested near a farm to Senekal.

The six men aged between 23 and 30, are expected to appear before the Marquard Magistrate court on Friday 05 August 2022, Facing charges of contravention of immigration Act, possession of suspected stolen property and damage of infrastructure.

"I want to applaud the team for this excellent achievement, may they continue working together to fight crime", said the Free State Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Baile Motswenyane.

Source: South African Police Service