Elias Ditheko (40), Mandla Nkositmu (39) and Tshidiso Tshumane (21) appeared before the Bloemhof Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 12 August 2022, for possession of suspected stolen copper cable. They will remain in custody until their next court appearance on Wednesday, 17 August 2022.

It is alleged that police were alerted by a security company of men stealing copper cable next to the railway line at Reatlegile Section, Salamat Extension in Bloemhof on Thursday, 11 August 2022. The police acted immediately and with the assistance of the security company and community members, the trio who tried to escape, were arrested. Furthermore, the suspected stolen copper cables were confiscated.

The Provincial Commissioner of North West, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena applauded the police, security officers and members of the community for their cooperation which led to the success. He said the police will remain steadfast in the fight against tampering with and damage to critical infrastructure.

Source: South African Police Service