A multi-provincial operation by the South African Police Service has dealt a significant blow to an organised criminal network, with five suspects arrested and two stolen truck trailers and part of a high-value copper consignment recovered. The copper was taken during a violent armed robbery at a truck stop in the Waterberg District.
The robbery took place between 23:00 on Sunday, 15 February, and 03:00 on Monday, 16 February, at a truck stop along the R101 in Mookgophong (Naboomspruit).
According to police, more than 20 heavily armed suspects stormed the premises, disarmed a security guard, and held truck drivers and staff hostage before fleeing with two trailers loaded with copper valued at approximately R4 million. An additional R22,000 in cash was also stolen. The total estimated value of the stolen property, including the trailers, which are valued at R750,000, exceeds R4.7 million.
A case of truck hijacking, armed robbery, and kidnapping was opened at the Mookgophong police station.
Police acted swiftly after receiving information on Monday morning, 16 February, that vehicles suspected to be linked to the robbery were travelling towards Louis Trichardt. A high-level joint operational task team was immediately mobilised, comprising specialised police units from various provinces and private security companies.
“A white Nissan NP200 believed to have been at the crime scene was intercepted near Musina, leading to the arrest of one suspect. Further operational follow-ups led members to a Hyundai Staria minibus at a filling station in Louis Trichardt (see previous article). Upon police arrival, several occupants fled on foot. The driver was apprehended on the spot, while drones and coordinated ground searches resulted in the arrest of three additional suspects. All four suspects were detained for further investigation,” said provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba in a press release late Tuesday evening.
Simultaneously, intelligence indicated that the truck used to transport the stolen trailers had been sighted in Soshanguve, Gauteng. Another joint operational task team was assembled, supported by two helicopters. Shortly afterwards, the truck, separated from the stolen trailers, was located near Muldersdrift along the N14, and the driver was arrested.
“Further investigations led operational teams to Hammanskraal, where both stolen trailers were successfully recovered later that afternoon, together with a portion of the stolen copper cargo. The search for the remaining copper continues as investigations unfold,” Ledwaba said.
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, commended all members and stakeholders involved for their professionalism, rapid response, and commitment to combating organised crime.
“This successful operation highlights the effectiveness of coordinated, intelligence-led policing and strong collaboration between SAPS units across provincial boundaries, supported by private security and community structures,” Lieutenant General Hadebe said following the arrests.