SAPS in Mpumalanga arrested a 26-year-old Lesotho national for tampering with essential infrastructure
The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga arrested a 26-year-old Lesotho national for tampering with essential infrastructure on Friday, 23 January 2026.
According to information received, the suspect and three accomplices were allegedly stealing copper cables from a railway line at a farm in Standerton when they were caught in the act by security guards. The guards immediately requested backup.
Three suspects managed to evade arrest; however, the Lesotho national was apprehended while in possession of a bolt cutter and copper cable. The suspect informed the security guards about the vehicle used to travel to the scene and agreed to point out where it was parked. Unfortunately, the remaining suspects fled the area with the vehicle in the direction of Greylingstad.
Police in Greylingstad were alerted to be on the lookout for the vehicle. It was later spotted, and a chase ensued. During the pursuit, the driver lost control and overturned the vehicle. Upon the arrival of police officers, the suspects had already fled the scene. Approximately 402 metres of copper cable were found inside the vehicle. It is alleged that the cable had been cut from the railway line that transports goods to the harbour.
Such incidents have a severe negative impact on the country’s economy due to delays in delivery times. The estimated value of the damaged copper cable is R150 000.
The accused is expected to appear before the Standerton Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 26 January 2026, facing charges of Tampering with Essential Infrastructure and Contravening the Immigration Act.
SAPS in Mpumalanga arrested a 26-year-old Lesotho national for tampering with essential infrastructurehttps://t.co/9ykihcT7Iq#ArriveAlive #Crime @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/AE25NLYNFg
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) January 25, 2026
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