Police have recovered suspected stolen copper and mixed metal worth an estimated R20 million and arrested three suspects during an intelligence-driven operation in Algoa Park, Gqeberha.
The arrests were made on Wednesday evening, 2 September, after police received information about a truck allegedly transporting stolen property at an overnight truck stop along Uitenhage Road.
A search of the truck uncovered 13 bulk sling bags containing copper and mixed metal.
The haul included five bags containing 2 529.573kg of copper and eight bags containing 4 086kg of mixed metal. Telkom and Eskom subsequently confirmed that the recovered copper cables belonged to the two entities.
Two suspects, aged 21 and 43, were arrested for possession of suspected stolen property, while a 46-year-old suspect was arrested for tampering with, damaging or destroying essential infrastructure under the Criminal Matters Amendment Act.
The truck was also confiscated as investigations continue.
The suspects are expected to appear in the New Brighton Magistrate’s Court, with police warning that additional charges could follow.
Acting Nelson Mandela Bay District Commissioner Brigadier Loyiso Ngalo praised the police team, saying the recovery demonstrated the impact of intelligence-led policing and cooperation with infrastructure owners.
Ngalo said the theft and illegal trade in critical infrastructure directly affects communities and businesses and causes significant financial losses.
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