Two suspects have been arrested after off-duty police officers intercepted a truck carrying suspected stolen copper cable worth more than R1.8 million on the N1 highway in the Free State.
The operation was carried out by members of the Fezile Dabi District Infrastructure Task Team after they received a tip-off on Wednesday, 17 June 2026, while off duty.
According to police, officers were informed that a truck loaded with copper cable had left Welkom and was expected to collect additional copper cable from a scrapyard in Kroonstad before heading towards Gauteng.
Despite being on their rest days, the members immediately mobilised and acted on the intelligence. The truck was spotted travelling on the N1 and was intercepted shortly after passing the Vaal Toll Plaza.
A preliminary search of the vehicle revealed bags containing copper cable inside one of the truck’s containers. The truck and its occupants were then escorted to Sasolburg SAPS for further investigation.
Upon a more thorough inspection at the police station, officers discovered a second cache of copper cable concealed beneath bags of crushed aluminium cans in another container. Police estimate the value of the recovered copper cable at more than R1.8 million.
Two men, aged 27 and 59, were arrested at the scene. They face charges of tampering with and damaging essential infrastructure, possession of suspected stolen property, and possession of suspected stolen copper cable.
The suspects are expected to appear in the Parys Magistrate’s Court soon.
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