Following a major police operation earlier this week, a group of Chinese nationals is set to appear in the Lutzville Magistrate’s Court today.

Swift action by Lutzville SAPS has led to the arrest of 25 suspects after police intercepted a truck allegedly loading stolen copper cables in Koekenaap on Tuesday.

Police spokesperson Ndakhe Gwala says the truck was allegedly destined for Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape.

“The members received a tip off about a truck loading copper cables at Piksteel Street, Koekenaap. Police headed to the address immediately and caught 25 suspects in the act. Twenty-four males aged between 24 and 50 and a 39-year-old female was arrested.“

Further investigations revealed that the cables belong to Eskom. The value of the cables is yet to be determined.

Elsewhere, a 63-year-old Chinese man is en route to China, where he will stand trial for allegedly defrauding the Chinese government of R120 million through running an unregistered foreign currency exchange business.

Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe says the man fled to South Africa in 2021 after his accomplices were arrested in China.

“He was hiding in South Africa up until he attempted to apply for a US visa. He was arrested and has been in custody for the past six months. An extradition order was granted on 20 January 2026.“