Former cop among two nabbed in Eden Park paving brick theft
Residents apprehended a man allegedly removing paving bricks in Datsun Park.
Two suspects, comprising a former police officer, were apprehended in Ekurhuleni on Thursday, 24 September 2026, for the illicit removal and subsequent resale of municipal paving bricks. The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) discovered the scheme through a tip-off from local residents. The two arrested individuals, aged 23 and 54, were apprehended in Eden Park following the lead from the community.
Kelebogile Thepa, a spokesperson for the EMPD, revealed that residents had seized a man allegedly removing paving bricks from Datsun Park, which initiated an investigation that unveiled a larger operation. During interrogations, the suspect directed officers to over ten properties where the stolen municipal bricks had been sold at a rate of R1.50 each.
Residents admitted to purchasing the bricks, believing them to be from a second-hand site or dump, but willingly cooperated with the law enforcement and returned the material voluntarily.
The investigation further uncovered an alleged accomplice – a former police officer – who possessed municipal bricks. Both men were charged with tampering with essential infrastructure, theft of municipal property, and possession of suspected stolen goods. They are currently held at Eden Park Police Station, awaiting their court appearances.
The EMPD commended the Eden Park community for their role in exposing the scheme, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in safeguarding public assets and ensuring that municipal infrastructure benefits all residents.
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