The South African Police Service (SAPS), working with other law enforcement agencies, has dealt a significant blow to transnational organised smuggling syndicates, following the seizure of suspected stolen copper worth more than R12 million at City Deep in Johannesburg.
A multidisciplinary team comprising Gauteng Crime Intelligence, Interpol, Border Police City Deep and private security partners conducted an intelligence-driven operation that led to the discovery and seizure of a large consignment of suspected stolen copper.
“The operation followed intelligence received from the Zambian authorities regarding the hijacking of three trucks transporting copper blocks. Preliminary investigations revealed that trucks displaying false Tanzanian registration plates were allegedly used in the commission of the crime," the police said in a statement.
One of the trucks was later recovered in Zambia, where investigators discovered that it was displaying registration numbers belonging to a South African logistics company. The truck had allegedly been used to transport suspected stolen copper.
“Further investigations established that two trucks carrying approximately 121 tonnes of copper slabs entered South Africa through the Beitbridge Border Post on 10 June 2026, allegedly using fraudulent customs documentation,” the police said.
Acting on intelligence, the multidisciplinary team conducted a follow-up operation on 18 June 2026 in City Deep, where they seized 26 bundles of copper with an estimated value of R12 680 000.
Intelligence also established that the original serial numbers on the copper had been deliberately filed off, apparently in an attempt to conceal their origin.
No arrests have been made at this stage, and investigations are continuing. Police are pursuing all available leads as part of efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible. – SAnews.gov.za
