| Suspects netted for possession of suspected stolen property and bribery | |
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| Date Published: | 2026/02/04 |
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Media Statement NELSPRUIT - The Middelburg Flying Squad, in collaboration with the Anti-Hijacking Team, achieved a significant operational success during a self-initiated operation conducted on Tuesday, 03 February 2026 at approximately 05:35. According to the report, members were conducting patrols along the N4 in the direction of the Olifants River near the tollgate when they observed a suspicious Toyota Fortuner with Mpumalanga registration number plates travelling in the direction of Johannesburg. The vehicle was followed, intercepted, and successfully stopped at the N12 split. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of 11 bags of copper cable and two bags of bronze. The occupants of the vehicle failed to produce any documentation to account for lawful possession of the material. As a result, three suspects were arrested for possession of suspected stolen property. During the arrest, the suspects allegedly attempted to bribe the police officials by offering an amount of R16 500.00 in exchange for their release. The offers refused and an additional charge of bribery was added. The recovered copper weighed approximately 345 kg, while the bronze weighed 58 kg, with an estimated street value of R85 000.00. The suspects, aged between 31 and 36, were arrested and detained. They are expected to appear before the Witbank Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 04January 2026, facing the following charges, Possession of suspected stolen property (copper and bronze), and bribery. The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi commends the members involved for their vigilance, integrity, and commitment to combating crime and corruption.
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