NORTH WEST – The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the North West Province has arrested three individuals and seized approximately 1,860 kilograms of copper cable following an intelligence-driven operation in Zeerust.
The operation was executed on Saturday evening, 12 September 2026, at approximately 19:30. It was carried out by members of Zeerust Crime Intelligence, Visible Policing, and Zeerust Traffic, with tactical support from the Klerksdorp Organised Crime Unit and Rural Safety members.
Acting on Crime Intelligence reports indicating that vehicles were allegedly transporting copper cable from Mahikeng through Rustenburg to Gauteng, law enforcement monitored the N4 road. Officers successfully intercepted a white Jeep and a silver Toyota Hilux GD-6 near a Zeerust service station, alongside a white Nissan Tiida that was allegedly acting as an escort vehicle.
During the interception, authorities seized the three vehicles, five cellular phones, and approximately 40 bags containing copper cable, in addition to loose copper cable. The total weight of the seized material is approximately 1,860 kilograms, with its monetary value yet to be determined pending further verification and identification.
Bilal Ali (28) and Rukhsar Arshaad (28) were immediately arrested and charged with possession of suspected stolen copper cable. During the apprehension, the alleged escort driver, Muhammad Awais (33), attempted to bribe police officials by offering R100,000 to secure the release of the suspects. The officials promptly rejected the bribe, and Awais was subsequently arrested and charged with corruption.
The seized copper cable will undergo formal verification and identification processes. Investigators are also examining the suspects’ potential connection to a prior incident involving the alleged transportation of copper cable in Rustenburg, alongside an ongoing review of their immigration status. Authorities emphasized that the investigation remains active, and additional arrests or charges cannot be ruled out.
All three Pakistani nationals appeared before the Zeerust Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 14 September 2026. They were remanded in custody and are scheduled for their next court appearance at the same venue on Wednesday, 23 September 2026.
North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Arthur Peter Adams, commended the vigilance and cooperation of community members whose information assists law enforcement in disrupting the theft and illegal trade of critical infrastructure. He urged the public to report any suspicious activities related to the theft, transportation, or sale of copper cable and other critical infrastructure, and extended his gratitude to the Traffic Officers for their instrumental role in apprehending the trio.
