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TWO UPINGTON-based scrap metal businesses have been slapped with fines after being convicted for illegally purchasing Telkom copper cables, following an undercover investigation by the Hawks.

The Upington Regional Court this week convicted and sentenced Van Zyl Scrap Metal (Pty) Ltd to a R70,000 fine, half of which is suspended for five years, for contravening the Second-Hand Goods Act.

According to Hawks Northern Cape spokesperson Warrant Officer Nomthandazo Mnisi, the business was caught during an undercover sting operation launched in 2020.

As part of the investigation, Telkom copper cables were sold to Van Zyl Scrap Metal. After three transactions, the operation concluded in June 2022, leading to the company’s prosecution. The accused made multiple court appearances before pleading guilty, with sentencing finalised on March 5.

Meanwhile, in a separate but related case, OL Scrap Metal (Pty) Ltd was also convicted for purchasing Telkom copper cables. The same court sentenced the company this week to pay a R35,000 fine after pleading guilty to charges under the Second-Hand Goods Act.

Warrant Officer Mnisi confirmed that OL Scrap Metal was caught in a similar undercover operation in 2020, which also ended in June 2022 with their arrest. The accused pleaded guilty on March 5 and was sentenced.

The crackdown on illegal copper trading comes amid ongoing efforts to combat infrastructure theft, which has caused severe service delivery disruptions across the Northern Cape. Authorities have warned that scrap metal dealers found guilty of buying stolen copper will face severe legal consequences.

25:T658,TWO UPINGTON-based scrap metal businesses have been slapped with fines after being convicted for illegally purchasing Telkom copper cables, following an undercover investigation by the Hawks. The Upington Regional Court this week convicted and sentenced Van Zyl Scrap Metal (

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Hawks bust Upington scrap metal dealers in copper cable sting