Five suspects aged between 26 and 46 were arrested in Stutterheim on Wednesday, 21 October 2026, in connection with an alleged fraud scheme targeting businesses in the Chris Hani District.
According to Eastern Cape police, the suspects allegedly placed large orders for goods, provided fraudulent proof of payment and collected the merchandise without making legitimate payments.
One of the businesses targeted was Nxuba Seeds, where seeds and fertiliser valued at approximately R1.7 million had allegedly already been collected.
Police received information about another order involving 120 bags of fertiliser, each weighing 50kg, and tracked a truck transporting the goods from Nxuba to Stutterheim.
A joint operation involving the Komani K9 Unit, Crime Intelligence, Flying Squad, Nxuba K9 Unit and private security companies led to the arrest of five individuals allegedly found offloading the goods.
Police recovered an eight-ton Fuso truck, a white Isuzu double-cab bakkie reported stolen in Gqeberha in 2023, 120 bags of fertiliser, two cellphones and R10,250 in cash.
The recovered items were valued at more than R694,700.
Chris Hani District Commissioner Major General Rudolph Adolph commended the police and private security teams involved in the operation.
The five suspects are expected to appear in the Stutterheim Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 22 October, on allegations relating to fraud and possession of suspected stolen property and a stolen motor vehicle.
