PICS: Gauteng police recover R3 million stolen Transnet copper cables at scrapyard
Five undocumented foreign nationals have been arrested after police in Gauteng recovered copper cables worth R3 million in De Deur.
Image: SAPS
Police in Gauteng have recovered copper cable worth about R3 million at an unregistered scrapyard in De Deur, leading to the arrest of five foreign nationals.
According to provincial police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, the arrests form part of ongoing efforts to curb non-ferrous metal theft and crimes targeting essential infrastructure.
“On 3 September 2025, a team comprising members of the Sedibeng Infrastructure Unit, Gauteng Traffic Wardens, and private security companies operationalised intelligence information which led them to a scrapyard in De Deur,” said Nevhuhulwi.
“The team discovered large quantities of copper cable and further seized homemade stoves reportedly used to burn the copper. Five suspects were arrested at the scene, and it was later confirmed that they are undocumented foreign nationals.”
A preliminary investigation established that the recovered copper belonged to Transnet, which positively identified the material.
All five suspects are expected to appear before the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court soon on charges of possession of stolen infrastructure, dealing in second-hand goods without a licence, and contravening the Immigration Act.
Five undocumented foreign nationals have been arrested after police in Gauteng recovered copper cables worth R3 million in De Deur.
Image: SAPS
Last year, IOL reported that the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) arrested a 45-year-old man for tampering with essential infrastructure after he was found with stolen cables worth R20,000.
The man was arrested after he ran across the R21 freeway in the Kempton Park area, according to EMPD spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Kelebogile Thepa.
“When officers were on patrol on the R21 roadway heading towards Pretoria before the R25 off-ramp, they noticed a pedestrian who was crossing the road unsafely on the freeway. On closer inspection, they noticed a man who was carrying cables crossing with them,” said Thepa at the time.
“Officers immediately ordered the suspect to stop, however, the suspect tried to run away, but he was overpowered by the officers. The street value of the stolen cable is estimated to be R20 000.”
Thepa said the 45-year-old man was arrested and taken to the Kempton Park police station, facing charges of tampering with essential infrastructure.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
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