GAUTENG – In the early hours of Monday, 28 July 2025, at approximately 01:46, four armed suspects stormed a municipal storage depot in Hercules and held four on-duty security officers at gunpoint. The officers were tied up, their mobile phones confiscated, and they were taken to the back of the building, where two of the suspects guarded them.
The remaining two suspects moved to the front of the building and were later joined by additional accomplices. Two trucks arrived on the scene and began loading electrical cables, with an estimated value of R1.5 million.
A vigilant community member noticed the suspicious activity and immediately alerted the Hercules SAPS. Two patrol vehicles, along with Proshield Security personnel, responded swiftly and began searching for the trucks.
One of the trucks, accompanied by a silver BMW, was located in Bremmer Street. As SAPS members intercepted the vehicles, the suspects attempted to flee on foot. A foot chase ensued, resulting in the successful apprehension of three suspects.
Upon searching the truck, police recovered a large quantity of electrical and copper cables, as well as three pairs of gloves. A search of the BMW yielded seven mandrax tablets and false number plates.
The arrested suspects have been charged with business robbery and possession of suspected stolen property. The investigation is ongoing to identify and trace the outstanding suspects.
Major-General Samuel Thine commended the SAPS members and Proshield Security for their swift and dedicated response. He also extended his sincere gratitude to the community member whose vigilance played a crucial role in the arrests.
The South African Police Service urges the public to remain alert and to report any suspicious activity or information that may assist ongoing investigations. Tip-offs can be reported anonymously via Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or through the My SAPS App.
Three suspects arrested for possession of stolen power cables in Herculeshttps://t.co/LKhLKpDYhO#ArriveAlive #Crime #CableTheft @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/5f2EA8U4yk
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) July 29, 2025
