Police in KuGompo City have arrested three men after recovering copper worth about R60,000 from a vehicle on the N2 on Tuesday, 13 October. The men, aged 24 to 37, are expected to appear in the KuGompo Magistrate's Court on Wednesday, 14 October, on charges of possession of suspected stolen property. They are presumed innocent.
Police are still looking for two more suspects.
What police recovered
At about 6:40am, officers saw a heavily loaded white Mazda stationary on the roadside along the N2 with a puncture, according to the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Eastern Cape. When the officers stopped to help, the five occupants ran off in different directions.
Police arrested two suspects early on, recovered copper worth about R60,000 and impounded the vehicle. Another report puts the time at about 6am.
The arrests and charges
Around midday, officers travelling to Cambridge SAPS spotted two more suspects near a bridge. After a chase, private security personnel helped apprehend one of them, bringing the total to three.
The three men are expected in court on 14 October on charges of possession of suspected stolen property. Police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana urged the public not to spread unverified information, after a voice note shared on social media claimed that five suspects had escaped custody. Police denied this.
Anyone with information can call Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or send an anonymous tip through the My SAPS app.
What we do not yet know
- Where the copper came from, and who owns it.
- Whether the suspects will face further charges, such as theft.
- Whether the two remaining suspects have been identified.
- The outcome of the court appearance on 14 October.
