Members of Val Police Station arrested three suspects last Friday following the discovery of a brand new electric stove next to a railway line on one of the farms in the district.

Following a tip-off by community members, Constable KM Mokoena and the rest of his team sprang into action, leading to the arrest of the three suspects.  According to the communications officer, Constable SSB Gininda, the police cannot rule out a possible link between the suspects and a goods train syndicate.

The three suspects appeared in the Standerton Magistrate’s Court last Monday and will remain in custody for the time being while police continue their investigation.  

Val SAPS also recovered copper cable worth an estimated R45 000 at Oudehoutdraai Farm and they believe that the cables were about to be transported to another location. 

No arrests have been made in connection with the cable theft, but police vow to leave no stone unturned in bringing the cable thieves, possibly working for a syndicate, to book. 

Mr AM Mngongo said so far 28 cases of cable theft had been reported, prompting Warrant Officer SA Tshabalala to call on the farming community to carry out random inspections on their properties for any stolen cables so that police can start their investigations without delay. 

He also appealed to the farming community to be vigilant at all times and to report suspicious looking vehicles and people to the police. 

With the approach of the Festive Season, stock thieves are bound to strike with intensity and incidents of common theft and housebreaking will also escalate, thus a partnership between the police and the community is crucial. Together, a difference can be brought about.  DM

From left to right are Constable SSB Gininda, Warrant Officer SA Tshabalala and Student Constable SJ Nxumalo  -  the ‘Men in Blue’ who recovered the copper cables as well as the electric stove.