EASTERN CAPE – Authorities have recovered suspected stolen goods valued at an estimated R20 million and arrested three suspects in Algoa Park as part of the ongoing Operation Ukubuza. The significant seizure of copper and mixed metal highlights continued law enforcement efforts to combat essential infrastructure theft in the region.
The operation was initiated on Wednesday evening, 2 September 2026, following actionable intelligence regarding a truck parked at an overnight truck stop along Uitenhage Road. The vehicle was allegedly transporting stolen property. Law enforcement officers responded immediately, conducting a search of the truck and discovering multiple bulk sling bags filled with copper and mixed metal.
According to police spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg, the confiscated items included five bulk sling bags of copper weighing 2,529.573 kg and eight bulk sling bags of mixed metal weighing 4,086 kg. The combined estimated value of these recovered materials is R20 million. Subsequent enquiries with Telkom and Eskom confirmed that the seized copper cables were the property of these two entities.
Three individuals were taken into custody in connection with the incident. Two suspects, aged 21 and 43, were arrested on charges of possession of suspected stolen property. A third suspect, aged 46, faces charges of tampering with, damaging, or destroying essential infrastructure under the Criminal Matters Amendment Act.
Law enforcement emphasized the significance of this recovery, noting that the theft and illegal trade of copper and other essential infrastructure materials directly disrupt electricity and telecommunications services. Such criminal activities adversely affect local businesses and communities while imposing substantial financial burdens for the repair of damaged infrastructure. Operation Ukubuza continues to yield positive results in the fight against infrastructure-related crime.
