Police in Gauteng have seized suspected stolen copper worth more than R12 million.
The copper was recovered during a major operation targeting transnational smuggling syndicates in Johannesburg’s city deep area.
The intelligence-led operation followed information from Zambian authorities about the hijacking of three trucks carrying copper.
Copper Worth R12.6 Million Seized in Johannesburg:
A multidisciplinary law enforcement team, including SAPS Crime Intelligence, Interpol, Border Police and private security partners, seized suspected stolen copper worth more than R12.6 million during an intelligence-driven… pic.twitter.com/qWv3a4TXy5
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) June 20, 2026
Police spokesperson Vincent Mukhathi said investigators found that two trucks transporting about a hundred and twenty-one tonnes of copper allegedly entered South Africa through the Beitbridge border post using fraudulent customs documents.
“One of the trucks was later recovered in Zambia, where investigators discovered that it was displaying registration numbers belonging to a South African logistics company. The truck had allegedly been used to transport suspected stolen copper,” said Mukhathi.
Puleng Maake
www.ewn.co.za
