Stolen copper cables worth R20m recovered in KZN

A 59-year-old man was detained after a raid on a scrapyard on Martin Drive in Queensburgh, KZN, on Wednesday.

In the operation, police recovered stolen copper cables worth approximately R20m.

According to provincial SAPS spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda, the bulk of the copper belongs to the eThekwini Municipality.

“Police gathered intelligence on Tuesday about illegal activities at the scrapyard, and an operation, spearheaded by the Public Order Policing, was planned. On Wednesday morning, the operation, which also involved members of the Hawks, was executed, and a large amount of copper was found.

“The eThekwini Municipality officials confirmed that the bulk of the stolen copper recovered belongs to the municipality. A 59-year-old man, who identified himself as the manager of the scrapyard, was detained, and after processing, he will be presented before court,” he says.