Central SA
Clarens police continue search for cable theft suspects─── ZENANDE MPAME 12:51 Thu, 28 Aug 2025
Police in Clarens are still searching for two of three suspects who were allegedly found digging trenches to access electrical cables near the Clarens Golf Course.
One of the suspects will appear in the Bethlehem Magistrate’s Court on Thursday (28/8) after he was caught hiding in the bushes on Tuesday (26/8). He is facing charges of malicious damage to essential infrastructure.
The suspect made a brief appearance in the same court on Wednesday, and the case was postponed to Thursday. Two other suspects are still at large, and the police are searching for them.
“It is alleged that private security officers on night patrol along the R711 noticed suspicious individuals digging near the golf course,” said Free State police spokesperson Mmako Mophiring.
“One suspect was found hiding in nearby bushes and arrested, while two others managed to escape. The damaging of essential infrastructure has a serious impact on the social and economic well-being of communities.”
During the arrest, police seized a pick handle, a backpack, a pair of shoes, gloves and a steel saw, he said. A case of malicious damage to essential infrastructure has been reported and is currently under investigation.
The police are calling on communities and the public to stand together and report cable theft and related crimes to the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111.
Meanwhile, in their ongoing efforts to prevent cable theft and damage to vital infrastructure, Centlec commended the work and cooperation of the police, private security companies, neighbourhood watch groups, as well as the Mangaung community.
This collaboration has led to the arrest of six suspects last Friday (22/8) in Botshabelo, Bloemfontein, and in the Bloemdal area. All the suspects face charges of vandalism, tampering with essential infrastructure and theft.
“This successful internal work, coupled with collaboration with law enforcement and community-based organisations, is crucial in the fight against cable theft and vandalism,” said Centlec spokesperson Tseliso Leba.
‘We encourage the public to report suspicious activities’
“We encourage the public to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or to contact our 24-hour Fraud Hotline on 051 412 223 or 069 726 0827.”
Bloemfontein Courant reports that in July, the police in the Xhariep District celebrated a victory against organised crime and infrastructure vandalism, as 26 suspects were convicted for their involvement in the theft of Transnet copper cables as well as tampering with essential infrastructure.
