By Mapaballo Borotho

- A multi-agency law enforcement operation has led to the seizure of suspected stolen copper worth more than R12 million at City Deep in Johannesburg.
- The operation was based on intelligence from Zambian authorities regarding the hijacking of trucks transporting copper and the alleged use of fraudulent customs documentation.
- Investigators believe the copper’s serial numbers were deliberately removed to conceal its origin, and investigations continue and no arrests have yet been made.
The South African Police Service (SAPS), working alongside 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 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.
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,” said police spokesperson Vincent Mukhathi.
Mukhathi says the 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.
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 allegedly been filed off in an apparent attempt to conceal its origin.
No arrests have been made at this stage, and investigations are continuing.
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