Police in KwaZulu-Natal recovered stolen copper cables worth approximately R20 million at a scrapyard on Martin Drive in Queensburgh, south of Durban, on Wednesday.
Provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda, said police gathered intelligence on Tuesday about illegal activities at the scrapyard.
An operation, spearheaded by the Public Order Police, was planned, he said.
Netshiunda said that on Wednesday morning, the operation, which also involved members of the Hawks, was executed and a large amount of copper was found.
“The eThekwini Municipality officials confirmed that the bulk of the stolen copper recovered belong to the municipality,” he said.
Netshiunda said a 59-year-old man identified himself as the manager of the scrapyard.
He said the man was detained and would soon appear in court.
Earlier this year, “IOL” reported that two suspects were arrested with R2.7 million worth of copper cables, allegedly belonging to Eskom and Prasa.
In the report, police said, a compliance inspection operation by members of the Economic Infrastructure Task Team (EITT) led to the arrest of two suspects at a scrapyard on Martin Drive in the Queensmead area of Queensburgh
“During the inspection, police spotted two vehicles parked outside the scrapyard. Upon searching them, police found copper cables positively identified to be belonging to the power utility, Eskom.
“After failing to explain the origin of the cables, a 37-year-old suspect was arrested.
“Another search inside the scrapyard resulted in the recovery of more copper cables which belonged to Prasa,” said the report.
The Mercury