NORTHERN CAPE – Law enforcement officials in Garies have arrested three men in connection with the possession of suspected stolen copper and aluminium cables. The South African Police Service (SAPS) executed a targeted interception on Tuesday, 14 July 2026, successfully halting the alleged transport of critical Eskom electrical infrastructure.
Acting on a credible tip-off at approximately 09:00, SAPS patrol units identified a white Ford Ranger bakkie suspected of ferrying illicit cables toward Cape Town. Officers swiftly intercepted the vehicle on the road and directed it to the Garies Police Station for a comprehensive investigative probe.
A formal search of the bakkie, performed legally in the presence of the occupants, yielded multiple bags filled with suspected stolen copper, aluminium, and Eskom-branded electrical cables. SAPS representatives confirmed that the seized copper holds an estimated market value of R19,824, while the aluminium is valued at roughly R3,330. The combined estimated worth of the recovered property stands at exactly R23,154.00.
Following the discovery, three male suspects, aged 38, 48, and 50, were taken into custody and formally charged with the possession of suspected stolen goods. Authorities also impounded the white Ford Ranger, citing its alleged role in facilitating the criminal activity.
According to police officials, the accused are slated to make their first formal appearance at the Garies Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 16 July 2026. The investigation remains active as authorities continue their efforts to combat infrastructure theft in the region.