Alleged copper cable thieves to remain in custody

Four individuals accused of possession of copper cables and contravention of the Criminal Matters Amendment Act, 2015,  appeared in the Potchefstroom Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 06 June 2024. Zondani Sithole (24), Sandile Simelane (38), Lungani Gwala (24), and Fred Dube (31) were remanded in custody pending further legal proceedings. The accused are scheduled to return to court on Friday, 13 June 2024, for a bail application hearing.

The arrest of the accused followed a swift response by the Potchefstroom Flying Squad in the early hours of Tuesday morning, 04 June 2024. Acting on operationalized information regarding a Nissan NP200 vehicle transporting copper cables, law enforcement officers intercepted the vehicle along Nelson Mandela Street. Subsequent search operations led to the discovery of six bags containing copper cables, culminating in the apprehension of the accused.

Preliminary investigations revealed that all four accused individuals hail from Jeppestown, Johannesburg. Of particular note, Fred Dube’s status as a Zimbabwean foreign national is currently under verification by authorities. The investigation is ongoing to determine the full extent of the alleged involvement of the accused in the illegal possession of copper cables.

Major General Suzette Pretorius, the District Commissioner of Dr Kenneth Kaunda, commended the swift and decisive action taken by law enforcement officers, which led to the successful arrest of the accused. The proactive approach of the Potchefstroom Flying Squad underscores the commitment of law enforcement agencies to combatting criminal activities within the community.

The proceedings in the Potchefstroom Magistrates’ Court mark a significant step in the legal process, as the accused individuals await further judicial proceedings. The case underscores the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies in curbing illicit activities and upholding the rule of law.