Eastern Cape police arrested three suspects during an intelligence-driven operation in Coldstream following an arson attack on a ward councillor's home.
Three suspects, including a woman related to a ward councillor whose home was destroyed in a petrol bomb attack, have been arrested in Coldstream, Eastern Cape, after police intercepted a vehicle allegedly carrying materials suspected to be intended for criminal activity.
The arrests were made during an intelligence-driven operation on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, approximately two weeks after the councillor's residence was allegedly targeted and burnt down.
Eastern Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana confirmed the arrests, describing the operation as a breakthrough in the arson investigation.
Police intercept suspicious SUV in early morning operation
Gantana said officers from SAPS Storms River acted on intelligence before intercepting a Mahindra SUV along the R102 in Coldstream at approximately 4am.
During the search, police discovered that the vehicle was fitted with false number plates and a fraudulent licence disc.
Gantana said officers also uncovered several items suspected to be intended for criminal activity.
"A search of the vehicle uncovered items suspected to be intended for the commission of a crime," she said.
The recovered items included a bottle containing a substance suspected to be petrol, a bag of cloth, a bag containing empty glass liquor bottles and a lighter.
Relative of councillor among arrested suspects
The arrests follow an alleged petrol bomb attack on a local ward councillor's home approximately two weeks earlier.
Gantana said the residence was destroyed in the attack, which prompted a police investigation.
"It is alleged that on an earlier date, a residence belonging to a local ward councillor was targeted in a petrol bomb attack, resulting in the house being burnt down," she said.
Police confirmed that three suspects, including a woman related to the initial arson victim, were arrested at the scene.
"Three suspects, including a female related to the initial arson victim, were arrested on the scene. The two male occupants of the vehicle were also taken into custody," Gantana said.
The identities and ages of the suspects have not been disclosed.
Suspects face conspiracy charges as police seize evidence
Gantana confirmed that the three suspects are facing charges of conspiracy to commit a crime and possession of suspected stolen property relating to the false number plates.
"The suspects are currently facing charges of Conspiracy to Commit a Crime and possession of suspected stolen property (false plates)," she said.
Police seized the Mahindra SUV and the recovered exhibits for further investigation.
"The vehicle and the exhibits, including the suspected petrol for chemical analysis, have been seized for further investigation," Gantana said.
She added that the Local Criminal Record Centre from Jeffreys Bay attended the scene and processed the exhibits, including the false number plates, fraudulent licence disc and bags recovered from the vehicle.
The three suspects are expected to appear in court soon.
Police vow to bring perpetrators to justice
Gantana said the police remained committed to protecting communities and public representatives against criminal activity.
"The SAPS is committed to ensuring that those who seek to undermine the safety and security of our communities and public representatives are brought to book," she said.
"We commend the vigilance and swift action of the members involved in this operation."