Gauteng police seize R12.6 million in stolen copper linked to cross-border smuggling operation

Gauteng police have seized suspected stolen copper worth more than R12.6 million in Johannesburg after tracking a cross-border smuggling operation involving hijacked trucks, fake Tanzanian registration plates, and fraudulent customs paperwork. 

The breakthrough came during an intelligence-driven operation at City Deep on June 18 after authorities traced a shipment of copper allegedly stolen in Zambia and smuggled into South Africa. The operation followed information shared by Zambian authorities after three trucks transporting copper blocks were reportedly hijacked.

Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Vincent Mukhathi said a multidisciplinary team comprising Gauteng Crime Intelligence, Interpol, Border Police City Deep, and private security partners launched an operation that ultimately led investigators to the copper cache.

“The operation followed intelligence received from the Zambian authorities regarding the hijacking of three trucks transporting copper blocks.”

Investigators said the syndicate relied on an elaborate network stretching across borders to move the stolen cargo and disguise its origin.

Preliminary investigations revealed that trucks displaying false Tanzanian registration plates were allegedly used during the operation. One of the trucks was later recovered in Zambia, where investigators discovered it was displaying registration numbers belonging to a South African logistics company.

Further enquiries revealed that two trucks carrying approximately 121 tonnes of copper slabs entered South Africa through the Beitbridge Border Post on June 10, allegedly using fraudulent customs documentation.

Acting on this intelligence, police tracked the shipment to City Deep, where officers seized 26 bundles of copper with an estimated value of R12.68 million.

Mukhathi said investigators also uncovered evidence suggesting deliberate attempts had been made to erase the identity of the copper.

“Intelligence also established that the original serial numbers on the copper had been deliberately filed off, apparently in an attempt to conceal their origin,” he added.

While no arrests have been made, police said the investigation remains active.

“No arrests have been made at this stage, and investigations are continuing. Police are pursuing all available leads as part of efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible.”