An intelligence-driven operation conducted by police officers attached to Operation Vala Umgodi secured the arrest of five suspects who were found in possession of R1.5 million worth of Eskom property in the vicinity of Empangeni and Mtunzini policing precincts on Sunday, 06 April 2025.
Police gathered intelligence about the suspects who were in possession of suspected stolen property and police tactically approached a house at Ngwelezane area where five suspects were arrested, after they were found in possession of smart meters, copper and other items belonging to power utility Eskom. The property was stolen during a business robbery at a site in Sabhuza Reserve on 17 March 2025.
Further investigations led the police to Manteneshana area in Makholokholo where the sixth suspect was arrested with more Eskom property. He was also found in possession of a prohibited forearm and ammunition. The suspects, aged between 32 and 54, will appear in the Empangeni Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 08 April 2025.