Free State police have made a breakthrough in the fight against organised tyre theft syndicates after four men were arrested on Thursday, 18 September 2025.
The suspects, aged between 26 and 36, were taken into custody during a joint operation led by the Fezile Dabi District Highway Patrol, with back-up from Kroonstad Highway Patrol relief (C), Sasolburg relief (D), and other supporting units.
According to police, the arrests followed intelligence about a wanted mini truck allegedly linked to a string of stolen truck tyre cases across the Free State, Gauteng, and Limpopo provinces.
Officers managed to intercept the vehicle, recovering evidence believed to tie the suspects to organised theft operations targeting heavy-duty vehicles.
“The four suspects are believed to be part of a bigger network involved in stripping tyres from trucks and reselling them across provinces. Investigations are ongoing, and more arrests could follow,” a police spokesperson confirmed.
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The men are due to appear before the Parys Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 22 September, where they will face charges of possession of suspected stolen property. Authorities have not ruled out additional charges as the case develops.
Tyre theft has become a growing headache for fleet owners and drivers, with syndicates often striking along major routes and causing costly downtime for trucking companies. Police have urged truckers and the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity.
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