THE five suspects arrested in connection with the theft of batteries from a cell phone tower on Vergelegen Farm in the Melmoth area, appeared in the Melmoth Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
Thabo Khumalo (30), Mkhululi Nsango (28), Nhlannhla Khumalo (25), Zanani Nkosi (27), Amandla Zungu (38) and a sixth suspect were arrested with the batteries valued at R80 000.
The men will also be charged and appear in the Vryheid Magistrate’s Court for the possession of a stolen vehicle, which they used in the commission of the theft of the batteries.
The sixth suspect is still in hospital and has not appeared in court yet.
The theft was reported to the Melmoth SAPS and officers received information that the vehicle transporting the batteries was travelling between Melmoth and Ulundi.
The members responded and the vehicle was traced and stopped.
Six occupants were found in the vehicle.
One suspect tried to grab one of the officer’s gun’s, but was shot by another officer.
