Community tip-off leads to arrests in Hercules power cable heist

Police swooped in on three suspects, acting on a community tip-off, and recovered R1.5 million worth of stolen power cables from a Tshwane's municipal storage depot in Hercules.

Captain Johan van Dyk, SA Police Service (SAPS) Tshwane district spokesperson, said the incident occurred at around 1.46am on Monday when four armed suspects stormed a municipal storage depot, holding four on-duty security officers at gunpoint. 

He said the suspects tied up the security officers, confiscated their mobile phones, and took them to the back of the building.

According to the police, two trucks arrived on the scene, and the suspects began loading electrical cables worth an estimated R1.5m.

However, their plans were foiled when a vigilant community member spotted the suspicious activity and quickly alerted the Hercules SAPS.

Van Dyk reported that a swift response from two patrol vehicles and Proshield Security personnel ensued, with the police beginning a search for the trucks. 

He added that the SAPS members intercepted one of the trucks, accompanied by a silver BMW, in Bremmer Street. 

The suspects attempted to flee on foot, but a chase ensued, and three suspects were successfully apprehended.

The police’s search of the truck yielded a large quantity of electrical and copper cables, along with three pairs of gloves. 

The BMW search revealed seven mandrax tablets and false number plates. 

The three arrested suspects face charges of business robbery and possession of suspected stolen property.

Van Dyk said the investigation is ongoing to identify and apprehend the remaining suspects.

Major-General Samuel Thine praised the SAPS members and Proshield Security for their prompt and dedicated response, also extending his gratitude to the community members whose vigilance played a crucial role in the successful arrests.

The latest arrest follows closely on the heels of another major bust, where SAPS in Gauteng apprehended three Tshwane municipal employees three weeks ago for allegedly stealing a R7m transformer from the Laudium electricity substation.

The arrest was part of a broader investigation launched in November 2024, which initially led to the arrest of 11 suspects.

rapula.moatshe@inl.co.za