Cape Town – At least 25 Chinese nationals have been arrested on South Africa’s West Coast after being found in possession of Eskom cables, in what police described as a major crime takedown.
The group was arrested in Koekenaap near Lutzville after police received a tip-off about a truck being loaded with copper cables believed to belong to Eskom.
Police spokesperson Ndakhe Gwala said officers moved quickly and found the suspects during the operation.
“Police headed to the address immediately and caught 25 suspects in the act. It was established through investigation that the cables belong to Eskom,” Gwala said.
The suspects — 24 men aged between 24 and 50 and one 39-year-old woman were detained for possession of suspected stolen property and are expected to appear in the Lutzville Magistrate’s Court. Authorities also indicated that the value of the cables has not yet been determined.
#sapsWC A group of Chinese nationals is appearing in the Lutzville Magistrate’s court today, following a major takedown by Lutzville #SAPS members on Tuesday, 27/01. The members received a #TipOff about a truck loading copper cables at Piksteel Street Koekenaap. The truck was… pic.twitter.com/wMFhKqVw9n
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) January 30, 2026
In a separate report, Truck and Freight News stated that police acted after receiving information about a truck allegedly loading copper cables at an address in Piksteel Street.
The truck was reportedly expected to travel to Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape before police intercepted the operation. The publication also confirmed that investigations established the cables belonged to Eskom and that all 25 suspects were detained following the bust.
The arrests come amid ongoing national concerns over infrastructure crimes such as cable theft, which authorities have repeatedly warned impacts electricity supply, service delivery and the economy.
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Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
