KEY POINTS
- Six suspects received arrest for holding stolen Eskom property which had a value of R1.5 million.
- Authorities identified the stolen goods as stolen during the March 2025 robbery of Sabhuza Reserve.
- Police uncovered a prohibited firearm during their arrest of one suspect which grew the list of charges.
Six people acquired R1.5 million worth of stolen Eskom property leading to their arrest by police from the elite Operation Vala Umgodi.
Security forces executed six arrests through coordinated intelligence-based operations in Empangeni and Mtunzini policing precincts of KwaZulu-Natal during Sunday April 6, 2025.
Details of the Six arrested men and the recovery
Colonel Robert Netshiunda of KwaZulu-Natal police revealed that police started the investigation based on trustworthy information about individuals stealing Eskom property. Security forces strategically reached the Ngwelezane residence to arrest five individuals whose ages ranged from 32 to 54 years old.
The search at the residential location led police to find stolen smart meters and copper equipment taken from Eskom during their March 17 business robbery at Sabhuza Reserve.
Additional investigation by police required the sixth arrest which took place at Manteneshana in Makholokholo. The person was found in possession of stolen Eskom property which increased the extent of their theft. The discovery of illegal firearm possession alongside ammunition during police search placed even more serious consequences upon the suspect.
Charges and court appearance
The Six arrested suspects charged with theft and illegal firearm possession will avail themselves before the Empangeni Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 for their scheduled hearing. The investigation continues with police striving to uncover all members of this criminal group that steals utilities.
