FREE STATE TRT ARRESTS TRUCK DRIVER WITH SUSPECTED STOLEN COPPER CABLES WORTH R3 MILLION:
The Free State Tactical Response Team (TRT) has arrested a 47-year-old truck driver after police intercepted a horse-and-trailer truck transporting suspected stolen essential infrastructure components destined for Gauteng.
Police acted on a tip-off on Friday, 12 June 2026, and intercepted the white Volvo FH truck near a filling station within the Glen policing precinct. During a search of the truck, officers discovered copper cables protruding from torn bags.
The driver was escorted back to Bloemfontein, where the truck was taken to Parkweg Police Station and later to Bainsvlei Police Station for a detailed inspection and unloading of the cargo.
Experts from Centlec, Telkom and Eskom assisted police in identifying the recovered materials. Authorities confirmed that the load included copper cables, Air-dac components and high-tension cable insulation used for electricity supply and street lighting infrastructure.
In total, nine large bags of essential infrastructure components were seized.
Centlec identified approximately 5 760kg of infrastructure components with an estimated replacement value of R3 million, while Telkom confirmed that 40kg of its cable, valued at around R4 500, was also recovered.
Free State Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thabang Solomon Lesia condemned the theft of critical infrastructure, warning that copper cable theft severely impacts communities, businesses and essential services.
A case relating to the Criminal Matters Amendment Act and possession of suspected stolen essential infrastructure has been opened at Glen Police Station.
The suspect is expected to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrateโs Court on Monday, 15 June 2026.