Police spokesperson, Motantsi Makhele, says the two suspects aged between 20 and 30 years old were apprehended for the looted copper cable estimated to be worth R150 000. The duo were nabbed on Sunday 18 July 2021 after failed efforts to try and evade the might of the law. Makhele says the duo is facing charges emanating from the possession of suspected stolen copper, looted at the Alleman Train Station. In 2020, during a briefing of the Portfolio Committee on Transport, Minister Fikile Mbalula told members of Parliament that those arrested in connection with copper cable theft should be charged with economic sabotage, as opposed to theft. Makhele in a statement did not specify as to when the suspects will appear in court.

However, Makhele says that "on 18 July 2021, at about 05:00, sergeants Nthaku Lekaota and Lehlohonolo Binyane of Brandfort Visible Policing were busy with their vehicle patrol when they noticed  copper cable beside the road".

He adds that the first suspect tried to flee but the police managed to arrest him whilst the second suspect was spotted at a hiking spot towards Vryheid.

"The Provincial Commissioner, Lt.Gen. Baile Motswenyane, applauded these Brandfort SAPS members for their dedication," Makhele further adds.

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