SPRINGBOK — Two men have been arrested in Springbok for the possession of suspected stolen copper with an estimated street value of R26,000, following a swift, intelligence-driven operation by Public Order Policing (POP) in the Namakwa District.
The operation unfolded on Monday, 21 September 2026, at approximately 02:05, when law enforcement members received actionable intelligence regarding a suspicious vehicle traveling from Buffelsrivier toward Springbok. The vehicle was reportedly transporting stolen copper.
Acting immediately on the information, police units intercepted the vehicle near a fuel station in Springbok. A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the discovery of several bags containing suspected stolen copper concealed in the trunk.
The two suspects, aged 35 and 67, were arrested at the scene. The vehicle allegedly used in the commission of the crime was seized and will be retained as part of the ongoing investigation.
The suspects are scheduled to appear in the Springbok Magistrate’s Court in the near future. They will face formal charges of possession of suspected stolen property and tampering with essential infrastructure.
Brigadier Schalk Andrews, District Commissioner of Namakwa, commended the policing members for their rapid and effective response. He also expressed sincere appreciation to the local community for providing the critical information that facilitated the arrests.
Brigadier Andrews emphasized that this successful interception serves as a stern warning to criminals who seek to undermine the economy of the Namakwa District through the theft and vandalism of essential infrastructure, categorizing such acts as severe economic sabotage.
