Two arrested as De Aar farm copper cable worth R65,000 recovered

Two suspects were arrested after police recovered four rolls of copper cable valued at approximately R65 000 at a farm outside De Aar in the Northern Cape, the South African Police Service said in a media statement.

The statement, issued from the office of the provincial commissioner in Kimberley, said members attached to the Crime Prevention Unit responded to a complaint at the farm on Wednesday, 14 October 2026 at approximately 12:15. On arrival, the complainant escorted the members to the scene, where a farmworker had reportedly discovered the copper cable.

While proceeding to the scene, the members spotted two men near the cable. One of the suspects allegedly attempted to flee on foot, and the members pursued and apprehended him along with the second suspect.

A case of possession of suspected stolen property was registered and the recovered copper cable seized. The four rolls are valued at approximately R65 000.

SAPS said the arrests highlight the importance of swift police response and community vigilance in combating the theft and possession of suspected stolen infrastructure material. The statement said copper cable theft poses a serious threat to critical infrastructure and can disrupt essential services, affecting communities and the economy.

The police urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities involving copper cable or other infrastructure material to their nearest police station.

This report is based on the SAPS media statement, which is a summary of the incident rather than the full case record. Enquiries on the statement are directed to Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane on 071 310 9507. The source document is available at https://www.saps.gov.za/newsroom/msspeechdetail.php?nid=71874.