Quick response and swift action by members of Heuningspruit SAPS Community Service Centre, supported by specialized units and private security, resulted in the arrest of three suspects involved in the damage and theft of essential infrastructure in the Free State.
On Saturday, 25 July 2026 at approximately 08:00, Heuningspruit police members received critical intelligence regarding a suspicious truck spotted at the Serfontein Transnet Sub Station.
Operational support was immediately mobilized from the Fezile Dabi District Infrastructure Task Team alongside private security partners.
The team acted swiftly on the information, responded to the scene, and spotted the targeted truck as it was driving out of the sub-station premises. The vehicle was promptly intercepted by the team.
Upon searching the truck, officers discovered three male occupants aged 27, 42, and 43. At the back of the truck, police observed two large tanks, one of which was loaded with oil valued at an estimated R36,000. Preliminary investigations on-site revealed that the oil was allegedly drained and stolen directly from the transformers at the Serfontein Transnet Sub Station.
All three suspects were placed under immediate arrest and face charges of tampering with, damaging, or destroying essential infrastructure and Possession of suspected stolen property.
The suspects remain in police custody and are expected to appear in the Kroonstad Magistrate’s Court soon.
