20/06/2026
๐จ copper worth more than r12 million seized in major city deep operation ๐จ
The South African Police Service (SAPS), working alongside multiple law enforcement agencies, has seized suspected stolen copper worth more than R12.6 million during an intelligence-driven operation in City Deep, Johannesburg.
The operation followed intelligence received from Zambian authorities regarding the hijacking of trucks transporting copper. Investigators later discovered that two trucks carrying approximately 121 tonnes of copper slabs allegedly entered South Africa through the Beitbridge Border Post using fraudulent customs documentation.
Acting on the information, a multidisciplinary team conducted a follow-up operation in City Deep on 18 June 2026, leading to the seizure of 26 bundles of copper valued at approximately R12,680,000.
Authorities also established that the original serial numbers on the copper had allegedly been filed off in an apparent attempt to conceal its origin.
๐ Copper worth over R12.6 million seized
๐ Cross-border smuggling investigation underway
๐ No arrests made yet as investigations continue
Police say all available leads are being pursued as efforts continue to identify and arrest those responsible.