Lithium-ion battery theft syndicate remanded in custody in Durban – KZN

Two suspects arrested by Members of Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) during an early morning operation on Tuesday 07/07/2020 have been remanded in custody after being denied bail in the Verulam Magistrate Court this afternoon.

RUSA Officers were contacted by the SAPS Provincial Offices in Gauteng after the Police learned of the arrest via the media. Officers swooped on the suspects while attempting to remove lithium-ion batteries from a cellphone tower in

Temple Valley – Verulam on Tuesday 07:38. A chase ensued & Officers arrested two suspects (pictured). A VW Toureg and a battery valued at R30 000 was recovered. According to Police, the suspects are believed to be linked to a national syndicate that operates out of Tembisa in the East Rand. The suspects move between provinces and have removed batteries worth several million Rands from MTN towers.

Based on new information & further statements obtained from Reaction Officers bail was opposed by SAPS Verulam Detectives. The suspects were remanded in custody to a station in the Durban Area.
The case is being investigated by the SAPS Organised Crime Unit.