JOHANNESBURG — A multidisciplinary law enforcement team seized 26 bundles of suspected stolen copper valued at R12,680,000 during an operation at City Deep on 18 June 2026.
The operation was executed by the South African Police Service (SAPS), Gauteng Crime Intelligence, Interpol, Border Police City Deep, and private security partners. It was initiated following intelligence from Zambian authorities regarding the hijacking of three trucks transporting copper blocks.
Preliminary investigations indicate the suspects utilized trucks displaying false Tanzanian registration plates. One truck was later recovered in Zambia displaying registration numbers belonging to a South African logistics company; it was allegedly used to transport the stolen copper.
On 10 June 2026, two trucks carrying approximately 121 tonnes of copper slabs entered South Africa through the Beitbridge Border Post using fraudulent customs documentation. Acting on subsequent intelligence, authorities intercepted the shipment at City Deep, seizing the 26 bundles of copper. Investigators noted that the original serial numbers on the metal had been deliberately filed off to conceal its origin.
No arrests have been made at this stage. Investigations remain ongoing as authorities pursue all available leads to identify and apprehend those responsible for the smuggling operation.