Watch: 7 Trucks Seized in Daring Laudium Transformer Heist

Gauteng police have confiscated a fleet of 7 trucks – including 4 lowbed trucks, 2 50-tonne crane trucks and 1 Nissan UD 20-tonne truck — used in an attempt to steal transformers from the Claudius Substation in Laudium, Tshwane.

Thanks to vigilant residents and the swift action of law enforcement, the brazen operation was thwarted on Wednesday night, leading to the arrest of 11 suspects, including a Tshwane municipal employee.

The syndicate, reportedly an organised cable theft operation, arrived with marked and unmarked vehicles, complete with advanced equipment like an industrial crane.

Their target? Three massive MVA transformers valued at over R35 million.

According to Selby Bokaba, Tshwane Metro spokesperson, the thieves had already removed two transformers and dismantled a third, ready to be loaded.

Residents noticed the suspects were busy at the substation but realised that no maintenance or power supply interruption notices had been issued.

Realising something was amiss, residents alerted the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) Cable Theft Unit and SAPS, who responded swiftly. “The quick thinking of the Laudium community prevented a devastating financial loss,” Bokaba said.

The scale of the operation left even seasoned law enforcement officers astounded. Police spokesperson Johan Van Dyk confirmed that four lowbed trucks, two crane trucks, and several smaller vehicles were confiscated.

The arrested truck and crane operators claimed they had been hired to transport the equipment to Middelburg, Mpumalanga.

Shockingly, investigations revealed that a Tshwane metro employee facilitated the theft. Using a city-branded truck, the employee allegedly unlocked the National Key Point, granting access to the thieves.

“It appears this wasn’t their first visit, as the private transport company involved had been there earlier with the same official,” said Van Dyk.

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Tshwane City Manager Johann Mettler condemned the betrayal of public trust by the implicated employee. “I warn all employees colluding with criminals: your days are numbered,” Mettler said.

He praised Laudium’s residents for their vigilance, highlighting the importance of community partnerships in combating crime. “Infrastructure theft affects everyone. It’s up to the community to stand guard over what belongs to them,” Mettler added.

A case of tampering with essential infrastructure and theft has been registered. The TMPD Cable Theft Unit continues investigations to recover damages, estimated at an additional R5 million due to vandalism.