Joint operation leads to arrest of kingpin
A joint intelligence-led operation between the crime intelligence, organised crime (Hawks) and crime prevention units led to the arrest of an alleged copper cable kingpin.
POLOKWANE – A joint intelligence-led operation between the crime intelligence, organised crime (Hawks) and crime prevention units led to the arrest of an alleged copper cable kingpin.
The man appeared in the Polokwane magistrate’s court on Wednesday on theft and related charges.
Limpopo police spokesperson, Brig Hangwani Mulaudzi confirmed the 37-year-old man was arrested in Westenburg on Tuesday, with copper cables to the value of R700 000 in his possession. According to Mulaudzi, leads followed by further investigations led the police team to a scrap metal dealer in Ladanna, where a further 800kg of suspected processed copper was confiscated.
The police investigation has linked the suspect to at least 16 cases of cable theft and one murder in Gauteng as well as four cases of cable theft in the Polokwane and in the Seshego areas, Mulaudzi said.
The manager of the scrap metal business was not arrested and only warned to appear in court.
The case was postponed to a later date in June. Police have urged the public to refrain from stealing copper and to contact their nearest police station if they have any information on copper theft, or call Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or send an SMS to 32211.
