Free State police have launched a massive manhunt after a group of about 20 men who allegedly overpowered security guards at the main Virginia Sewage Plant and made off with copper cable worth over R2-million.
Police spokesperson for the area, Captain Stephen Thakeng, said the men, some of whom were armed, overpowered three security guards and fired shots during the attack which occurred at about 04:30 on Tuesday.
“About 20 unknown . . . men with Lesotho accent overpowered them and fired two shots,” said Thakeng in a statement.
And as if to clean up their act, the men are said to have collected the two cartridges from the ground.
The Virginia Sewerage Main Plant Number 1 is situated next to Virginia Correctional Services.
Thakeng said as a result of the armed robbery and destruction of the infrastructure, the sewage effluent is flowing into a nearby river.
He said anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects should call Detective Sergeant Madikotsi Ramoseli of Virginia Detective Services on 083 551 1485 or the Police Emergency number: 08600 10111.
In an unrelated incident, three foreign nationals were arrested in Heilbron on Monday after they were found with suspected stolen copper cable.
Fezile Dabi district police spokesperson Captain Malebo Khosana said the trio, who were travelling with an alleged accomplice who is still at large, failed to stop at a police checkpoint, leading to a high-speed chase.
Malebo said Heilbron police were advised by another team from Frankfort that Basopa Security members were chasing a suspicious vehicle on the R34 heading towards Heilbron and immediately waylaid them.
“The vehicle in question, a Ford Ranger, approached and could not stop when police signalled it to stop,” said Malebo.
“Instead, it passed at a high speed which prompted a hot pursuit. The fleeing car driver relented and stopped the vehicle on the side of the road. Four males jumped out of this motor vehicle and ran into (maize) fields,” added the police spokesperson.
The suspects were chased on foot with the assistance of farmers in the area, leading to the arrest of the trio.
They are from Zimbabwe and Malawi and are aged 29, 32 and 50.
They were found with 39 bundles of cut copper cable in the vehicle.
The other suspect fled.
They were also found with three bolt cutters and the vehicle was confiscated by the police.
They are expected to appear at the Frankfort Magistrates Court soon for possession of suspected stolen property and tampering with essential infrastructure. – Staff Reporter