The Hawks in Mpumalanga, working with the National Prosecuting Authority’s Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU), have secured a High Court preservation order against two vehicles linked to a copper cable theft investigation.
The order, granted on 22 October 2026, involves a Toyota Hilux GD-6 Legend 50 and an Opel Corsa hatchback allegedly connected to the theft of Eskom copper cables.
The case dates back to 30 September 2024, when traffic officials attempted to stop an overloaded Toyota Hilux at the Kinross Weighbridge.
According to the Hawks, the driver allegedly ignored instructions and fled along the R546 towards Embalenhle. The vehicle later overturned near the intersection of the R546 and Branden Road after the driver lost control.
Police found three men exiting the overturned vehicle, with copper cables scattered around the accident scene. All three were arrested, and the vehicle and cables were seized.
Further investigations by the Hawks’ Secunda Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit led to a female Eskom employee being charged. Her Opel Corsa was also seized.
Eskom subsequently identified the recovered copper cables as its property, and they were returned to the power utility.
Following an asset investigation by the Hawks, the High Court granted an order preserving both vehicles pending further forfeiture proceedings.
Mpumalanga Hawks Provincial Head Major General Nico Gerber welcomed the decision, warning that copper theft threatens essential services, economic activity and public safety.
"This preservation order demonstrates that law enforcement is not only closing in on those who steal critical infrastructure, but also on the assets they use to commit these crimes," Gerber said.
The preservation order does not constitute a final forfeiture of the vehicles.