Stolen copper cables worth R4m seized from scrapyards

Police have made two massive hauls of stolen copper cables. In one incident almost R3 million in copper cables belonging to Eskom and Prasa was seized from a scrapyard in Queensmead, and in the other, about R1 million worth of copper cables from another scrapyard in Isipingo.

Police spokesman Colonel Robert Netshiunda said a compliance inspection by members of the Economic Infrastructure Task Team (EITT) had led to the arrest of two suspects after they were found in possession of copper cables valued at about R3 million at a scrapyard on Martin Drive in Queensmead on Monday.

“During the inspection, police spotted two vehicles parked outside the scrapyard and upon searching them, police found copper cables that were positively identified as the belonging of power utility, Eskom. After failing to explain the origin of the cables, a 37-year-old suspect was arrested. Another search inside the scrapyard also resulted in the recovery of more copper cables that belonged to PRASA and the second suspect, aged 39 years old, was also arrested,” said Colonel Netshiunda.

He said in the Isipingo raid, the Economic Infrastructure Task Team members arrested two suspects aged 40 and 43 years old after they were found in possession of suspected stolen copper cables and transformers at a scrapyard.

“The team gathered intelligence on the suspected illegal activities happening at the scrapyard and an operation was planned. During the search operation, police found almost five tons of copper cable with an estimated value of just below a million rand,” said Colonel Netshiunda.

All the suspects are expected to appear in court soon.