Suspects caught with R5m copper belonging to PRASA and eThekwini Municipality

Five suspects are expected to appear before the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 14 February after they were caught with R5 million worth suspected stolen copper. 

The suspects were caught at a business premise on Joule Street in Pinetown on Sunday, 12 February. 

R5 MILLION SUSPECT STOLEN COPPER RECOVERED 

South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said the team was acting on intelligence when they stormed into the premises and executed a search warrant. 

Netshiunda said huge bags of copper cables were found stashed in two trucks that were parked in the yard. A further search resulted in the recovery of more copper inside the warehouse.

ALSO READ: National Shutdown: EFF calls for schools and businesses to close

“The recovered copper was positively identified as the property of PRASA, eThekwini Municipality and Telkom. Five suspects aged between 26 and 41 years old were arrested for possession of suspected stolen property. The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) is investigating the matter and the suspects are expected to appear before the Pinetown Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday,” he said.

ALSO READ: Eight arrested in Jeppestown with R1m worth stolen copper cables