6 men linked to theft of Eskom infrastructure worth R1.5m to make first court appearance

DURBAN - Six men linked to the theft of Eskom infrastructure worth R1.5 million will make their first court appearance on Tuesday.

The group was arrested in the Ngwelezane area of Richards Bay, northern KwaZulu-Natal, on Sunday.

An intelligence operation by members of Operation Vala Umgodi led to the discovery and the group’s arrest.

"Police gathered intelligence about the suspects who were in possession of suspected stolen property and police tactically approached a house at Ngwelezane area where five suspects were arrested, after they were found in possession of smart meters, copper, and other items belonging to power utility Eskom,” said police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda.

One of the suspects was nabbed with a prohibited firearm.

"Further investigations led the police to Manteneshana area in Makholokholo where the sixth suspect was arrested with more Eskom property. He was also found in possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition."

The group will appear in the Ngwelezane Magistrates Court.