The South African Police Service in Eastern Cape dismisses as false a circulating voice note alleging that five suspects escaped from police custody in the KuGompo area.
The actual sequence of events is that on Tuesday, 13 October 2026 at about 06:40, police members noticed a white Mazda vehicle stationary on the roadside along the N2 with a heavy load. The members stopped to assist after observing that the vehicle had a puncture. Upon seeing the members approaching, five occupants fled on foot in different directions. Two suspects were apprehended. Police recovered copper valued at approximately R60 000 inside the vehicle. The vehicle was impounded for further investigation.
Around midday, the same members, while travelling to Cambridge SAPS, spotted two other suspects near the bridge. A chase ensued, and with assistance from local private security personnel, one suspect was apprehended. A total of three suspects have since been detained.
The three men, aged between 24 and 37, are due to appear in the KuGompo Magistrate’s Court tomorrow, 14 October 2026, on charges of possession of suspected stolen property.
Police are continuing with investigations and tracing the remaining two suspects. Members of the public are urged not to spread unverified information that may cause unnecessary panic. Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is requested to contact #CrimeStop on 08600 10111. Information may also be submitted anonymously through the #MySAPSApp.