Eight arrested with suspected stolen cellphone tower batteries worth R500 000
Police said the arrests were made in the Phokeng area after intelligence linked the suspects to the theft of cellphone tower batteries across the province.
Eight men have been arrested after police recovered suspected stolen cellphone tower batteries worth about R500 000 during an intelligence-driven operation in the North West.
Police said the arrests were made on Thursday night in the Phokeng area after intelligence linked the suspects to the theft of cellphone tower batteries across the province.
According to police, information indicated that the suspects had allegedly stolen batteries in the Zeerust area and were transporting them in a Toyota Quantum towards Phokeng.
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Members of the Phokeng K9 Unit and other law enforcement agencies launched a multidisciplinary operation and intercepted the vehicle near Boshoek.
A search of the Toyota Quantum led to the discovery of four cellphone tower batteries concealed inside the vehicle. The batteries, valued at approximately R500 000, are believed to have been stolen from telecommunications infrastructure.
The eight suspects, aged between 20 and 48, were arrested and charged with possession of suspected stolen property.
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Police also seized the batteries and the Toyota Quantum allegedly used in the commission of the crime.
The suspects are expected to appear in the Tlhabane Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
Acting North West police commissioner Major General Ryno Naidoo welcomed the arrests, saying police remain committed to combating crimes targeting critical infrastructure.
