Two Men in SA Who Allegedly Terrorized Kempton Park Have Finally Been Caught Red-Handed

Two men suspected of attempting to steal electrical cables near a substation along the R21 freeway in Kempton Park, Gauteng, have been arrested following a surveillance operation by the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD).

The suspects were arrested on Wednesday, 7 October 2026, at approximately 10:00 after police officers monitoring the electrical installation spotted them digging near a trench containing electrical cables.

The operation involved EMPD officers stationed at O. R. Tambo International Airport, who had placed the substation under surveillance following reports of cable theft and interference with critical electricity infrastructure.

According to the report, concerns about criminal activities at the facility increased in September when officers arrested another suspect accused of tampering with essential infrastructure, stealing electrical cables and possessing suspected stolen cable material. The incident prompted authorities to intensify security measures around the vulnerable site.

Working alongside security personnel from Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), the EMPD officers used an advanced closed-circuit television system to monitor the area and identify suspicious movements.

During Wednesday’s operation, surveillance teams noticed two men, believed to be in their thirties, crossing the R21 freeway towards the substation. The suspects allegedly examined their surroundings before entering the area and beginning to dig into a trench containing electrical cables.

After observing their actions through the surveillance system, officers were alerted and dispatched to the scene. A coordinated intervention followed, resulting in the arrest of both men while the suspected cable theft was allegedly underway.

The suspects were subsequently handcuffed and transported to Kempton Park Police Station, where a criminal case docket was opened. The original report described the men as foreign nationals but did not disclose their countries of origin.

Details regarding their first court appearance, including the date and court where they are expected to appear, were not provided.

Cable theft poses a serious threat to electricity infrastructure and can lead to service disruptions, financial losses and safety risks. The arrests highlight the importance of cooperation between law enforcement agencies and security personnel in protecting critical installations.

Authorities have not established whether the suspects were connected to the September incident. They remain innocent until proven guilty in court.

https://x.com/Abramjee/status/2108857481128493089

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