NORTHERN CAPE — Authorities have ramped up their efforts to protect vital infrastructure, leading to the weekend arrests of three individuals found with suspected stolen copper cables in Kathu. The swift intervention by local law enforcement not only removed dangerous tools from the streets but also resulted in an additional bribery charge after a suspect attempted to pay for her release.
The theft and destruction of essential infrastructure remain a critical challenge, posing severe threats to local businesses, government departments, and community service delivery. Acting on actionable intelligence, members of the local Crime Prevention Unit were conducting routine vehicle patrols on Saturday, 05 September 2026, when the situation unfolded. At approximately 16:00, officers received a tip regarding two men and a woman in possession of suspected stolen goods near their patrol route.
Responding immediately, the police intercepted three individuals matching the provided descriptions. During a subsequent search, authorities uncovered the suspected stolen copper cables alongside an arsenal of dangerous weapons, including a hacksaw and butcher knives. The suspects, comprising two men aged 28 and 36, and a 35-year-old woman, were promptly taken into custody.
According to district police spokesperson Captain Stephen Thakeng, the situation escalated when the 35-year-old female suspect allegedly attempted to buy her freedom [[15]]. She reportedly offered the arresting officers a R290 bribe in exchange for her release. The officers firmly rejected the illicit offer, leading to her arrest on an additional charge of bribery.
All three suspects are slated to appear before the Kathu Magistrate’s Court in the near future. They face serious charges relating to the possession of suspected stolen property and the illegal possession of dangerous weapons. The female suspect will face the additional bribery count.
Following the successful operation, police issued a stern warning to syndicates and criminals involved in the vandalism and theft of essential infrastructure. Authorities emphasized a zero-tolerance policy, assuring the public that those who disrupt community services through the destruction of state and private assets will be relentlessly pursued and brought to justice.
