By BAKANG MOKOTO
29 October 2026 – The North West High Court sitting in Mahikeng has granted a preservation order over three vehicles and R80 000 in cash allegedly linked to the unlawful possession of stolen copper cables and corruption. The order was granted in terms of section 38 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act 121 of 1998 (POCA).
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Lindiwe Mabasa said the court preserves a white Jeep Grand Cherokee, a white Toyota Hilux double cab, a white Nissan Tiida and R80 000 in cash. Mabasa said the assets are alleged to be instrumentalities of crime and/or proceeds of unlawful activities.
“The matter stems from an incident on 11 September 2026, when South African Police Service (SAPS) members received a tip-off from traffic officials that two vehicles had allegedly failed to stop at a four-way stop sign while entering the Zeerust Central Business District from the direction of Mahikeng. SAPS members stopped the vehicles and searched them.
“They found bags containing copper cables concealed beneath blankets on the rear seats. The two drivers allegedly failed to provide a reasonable explanation for possessing the cables. The suspects reportedly asked to contact their employer,” she said.
Mabasa further said during the telephone conversation, they allegedly discussed offering a bribe to police officers to avoid arrest. She added that an arrangement was then made for a third suspect to bring money to the scene.
“The third suspect arrived in another vehicle with R80 000 in cash. Officials from Telkom and Eskom later identified the recovered cables as belonging to their respective entities.
“All three suspects were arrested and charged with the unlawful possession of stolen copper cables and corruption relating to the alleged attempted bribery of police officers,” said Mabasa.
She said the North West High Court granted the preservation order on the basis that the three vehicles were allegedly used as instrumentalities in the offence involving the unlawful possession of stolen copper cables. Mabasa said the cash was allegedly linked to the attempted bribery of police officers and identified as proceeds of unlawful activities.
“The preservation order prohibits the disposal of or dealing with the assets pending further proceedings in accordance with POCA,” she said.
