The Free State police have arrested four men in connection to alleged infrastructure damage at Smithfield. According to the Free State police spokesperson, Martin Xuma, the police received information regarding copper theft worth over R500 000.
“Police in Smithfield acted on a tip-off from a scrap yard owner in Bloemfontein about four males that were selling copper cables weighing 30 kilograms, with a street value of R550,000. Eskom officials in Bloemfontein proceeded to the said scrap yard in Bloemfontein,” he said.
The suspects fled the scene after being spotted by the Eskom officials. A case of damage to essential infrastructure was opened at the Smithfield Police Station after it was discovered that the cable was stolen around Smithfield.
Police, armed with intelligence-driven information, managed to trace the four suspects around Smithfield, Xuma added.
The four suspects are expected to appear at the Smithfield Magistrate’s Court soon.
Compiled by Clement Matroos
