The Harrismith highway patrol have intercepted two suspicious vehicles on the N3 highway on north bound towards Johannesburg, seized suspected stolen tower batteries, two vehicles and arrested five suspects.

On Friday 14 January 2022 at approximately 08:20 two members of Harrismith Highway Patrol were patrolling on the N3 near Eeram Farm about 25 kilometres from Harrismith. They spotted a white suspicious Nissan bakkie and stopped it. Upon searching it they found nine tower batteries and arrested the two occupants.

The arrest of the two suspects led police to drive extra 30 kilometres towards Warden where they arrested three suspects traveling with a black Toyota Yaris. There were three occupants and when searching the car, police found three other tower batteries.

All five suspects were arrested and detained. It was established that two of the five suspects are foreign nationals.

The 12 batteries including two vehicles used to transport suspected stolen property were seized. The service provider of the batteries has been contacted to come and identify and verify their property and where it might have been stolen. Another charges could be added.

The five suspects between 30 and 40 years of age are expected to appear before Harrismith Magistrate court on Monday, 17 January 2022 facing charges of possession of suspected stolen property.

“The damaging of infrastructure and theft of tower batteries has negative impact and effect on communication breakdown to business and individuals within the specific area and country. I therefore applaud our hard working and dedicated members for excellent service rendered and keep up the good work and justice will take its cause”, said the Free State Provincial Commissioner, Lt General Baile Motswenyane.

Source: South African Police Service