* Editor's note: This article has been updated with new information.
KUGOMPO CITY - Police in the Eastern Cape have confirmed the arrest of three men aged between 24 and 37 for the possession of stolen property.
The arrest happened on Tuesday.
Reports had indicated that inmates had escaped custody.
However, a recent statement by police spokesperson Nobuntu Gantana clarified the matter.
She said on Tuesday at around 6am members of the SAPS noticed a stationary vehicle on the roadside along the N2 with a heavy load.
“The members stopped to assist after observing that the vehicle had a puncture. Upon seeing the members approaching, five occupants fled on foot in different directions," Gantana detailed.
She said two of the suspects were arrested, with cops recovering copper valued at approximately R60,000 inside the said vehicle, which has since been impounded.
According to Gantana, later in the day, while travelling to Cambridge, SAPS officials spotted two other suspects near the bridge.
“A chase ensued, and with assistance from local private security personnel, one suspect was apprehended.”
This brings the total number of suspects arrested to three.
Police are continuing with investigations and tracing the remaining two suspects, Gantana said.
The three men are expected to appear before the KuGompo Magistrate’s Court on 14 October 2026.