Alert members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Thornhill have arrested three suspects aged 16, 26 and 37 and recovered stolen infrastructure copper valued at R130 000-00 following a brief vehicle pursuit on Thursday, 05 November 2026.
The incident unfolded when vigilant patrol officers from the Thornhill Visible Policing unit spotted a suspicious Toyota Avanza driving into the area. Shortly after, the same team noticed the exact same vehicle traveling from the Mondplaas direction near the R102 steel bridge.
The officers immediately turned around to follow the vehicle, which then sped off into Ferry Road, prompting a short chase. Before coming to a stop, the suspects were seen throwing shiny objects out of the windows. Upon securing the scene, police confirmed that the discarded items were copper stripped from a transformer, along with various housebreaking implements.
The Sarah Baartman District Commissioner Major General Thandiswa Kupiso commended the tactical alertness and swift response of the members on the ground:
"Essential infrastructure damage and theft severely impact our communities, and we will not tolerate criminals who dismantle public utilities for personal gain. I highly commend our Thornhill patrol members for their tactical alertness and swift reaction. Spotting the suspects’ vehicle twice and refusing to let it slip away shows true dedication to proactive policing. This successful arrest sends a clear message that our teams are out in full force to protect our communities and state infrastructure. We will ensure these suspects face the full might of the law." Major General Thandiswa Kupiso said.
The suspects were arrested at the scene and the 16- year-old boy was released into the custody of his parents while the 26 and 37-year-old suspects remain in custody. They face charges including possession of stolen property and possession of housebreaking implements, and are expected to appear in the Humansdorp Magistrate's Court shortly.