Picture: Cell phone tower batteries/Supplied
By STAFF REPORTER
8 June 2026 – Eight suspects between the ages of 20 and 48, were arrested and charged with possession of suspected stolen property and the recovered batteries. The police said the Toyota Quantum allegedly used in the commission of the offence was seized.
The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh said the suspects are expected to appear before the Tlhabane Magistrate’s Court on 8 June 2026. Myburgh said the operation was conducted on 4 June 2026, at approximately 22:30 in the Phokeng policing area.
“The operation followed intelligence received and investigated by members attached to Counter Narcotics Intelligence and Domestic Drug Trafficking at Head Office, regarding individuals allegedly involved in the theft of cell phone tower batteries across the North West.
“Further intelligence indicated that the suspects had allegedly been involved in the theft of cell phone tower batteries in the Zeerust area and were transporting the stolen batteries in a Toyota Quantum vehicle towards Phokeng,” she said.
Myburgh further said acting on the information, members from the Phokeng K9 Unit and other law enforcement role players coordinated a multidisciplinary operation and strategically deployed along routes leading into Phokeng. She added that during the operation, a Toyota Quantum was spotted near Boshoek, travelling towards Chaneng in the Phokeng area.
“The vehicle was stopped and searched, leading to the discovery of four cell phone tower batteries that were concealed inside the vehicle. The batteries, with an estimated value of approximately R500 000, are believed to have been stolen from telecommunications infrastructure,” said Myburgh.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, has welcomed the successful outcome of a multidisciplinary, disruptive operation that led to the arrest of eight suspects found in possession of suspected stolen cell phone tower batteries. Naidoo said the police remain committed in combating crimes that target critical infrastructure, as such offences negatively affect service delivery, economic activity, and community safety.
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