Copper, copper cables, copper theft, Industria West Extension, Johannesburg, foreign nationals, three arrested, Eskom, Johannesburg City Power, SAPS, police

Three foreign nationals were arrested after R500 000 worth of copper cables was found on their business premises. Photo: Beth Millner / Flickr

Three foreign nationals arrested for theft of copper worth R500k

Three foreign nationals were apprehended by a team of Eskom and City Power officials along with police in Johannesburg for copper theft.

Copper, copper cables, copper theft, Industria West Extension, Johannesburg, foreign nationals, three arrested, Eskom, Johannesburg City Power, SAPS, police

Three foreign nationals were arrested after R500 000 worth of copper cables was found on their business premises. Photo: Beth Millner / Flickr

After suspected stolen copper cables were recovered, three foreign nationals were apprehended. The copper cables were recovered at the foreign nationals’ company in Industria West Extension, Johannesburg.

Copper and aluminium stacks were recovered

Reports state that a number of police units in Gauteng raided the premises. The police units were joined by members of Johannesburg City Power and Eskom. The estimated value of the stolen copper cables is R500 000. Aluminium stacks worth around R200 000 were also recovered.

The suspects are allegedly linked to a syndicate. The syndicate is presumed to be part of the large-scale theft of copper. The copper is allegedly processed before it is exported to foreign countries.

The three suspected copper thieves are expected to appear in court soon. They are also facing charges of attempting to bribe the police.

Metal is widely used in many electronic devices and with the soaring price of this element, copper theft is notably a lucrative crime. SABC News reports that copper theft presents a threat to both transportations of goods and mining operations.

Suspects caught with tower batteries worth R500 000 in Modderrivier

In more news about theft, it was previously reported that Modderiver police recovered eight tower batteries worth more than R480 000-00, believed to be stolen from one of the network towers in Qebhehra, Northern Cape. 

Spokesperson, Captain Olebogeng Tawana said police in Modderrivier were activated subsequent to intelligence received about a vehicle on the N12 from Qebherha heading in the direction of Modderiver loaded with presumed stolen network tower batteries. 

Tawana said in response to intelligence received, police spotted the alleged vehicle, a white Toyota Fortuner on the N12. District Commissioner of the Frances Baard, Major General Johan Bean, applauded members for acting promptly by arresting the suspect subsequent to receiving intelligence. Read the full story here.