‘Hot’ copper an easy sale, Review investigates
Over a period of two weeks, Review accompanied several people to sell 'hot' copper at several scrap metal dealers.
POLOKWANE – After several reports of copper theft and the police warning that copper theft is a problem in the city and the province at large, Review went undercover to find out how difficult it truly is to sell copper taken from stolen Eskom and Telkom cables.
Over a period of two weeks, Review accompanied several people to sell copper that had either been stolen just outside the city or had been removed from an abandoned house in the city.
The sales were made at several scrap metal dealers in the city and the following was revealed:
• Copper that has been cleaned can be sold at most scrap metal dealers in the city.
• While there is a set price for legally sold copper, illegally bought copper, especially Telkom and Eskom cables, are sold for a completely different price, sometimes higher and sometimes significantly lower than the set price.
• Stolen copper is often sold “on the side” while a legal sale is being made, with the illegal sale not being noted on any books.
• Resale of the stolen copper brings close to a 100% profit to the scrap metal dealers.
A source who regularly buys and sells stolen copper speaks to Review
“Dealing in copper is still on a small scale in the city, although scrap metal dealers are catching on fast to the easy money that can be made,” said the source.
The copper is cleaned, all markings removed and divided into smaller bundles that are then beaten with stones or hammers and burned with normal electrical wires and copper.
The copper is then less easily identifiable and sold to other bigger scrap metal dealers and businesses dealing in copper.
People are being paid around R1 or R2 per kg to clean and burn the copper for some of the scrap metal dealers, and that in most cases these men are illegal immigrants.
According to The Second-Hand Goods Act, no 6 of 2009, legislation requires all scrap metal dealers engaging in recycling of any controlled metals to be registered as a recycler, in addition to being registered as a second hand goods dealer they would also be giving police greater powers to undertake inspection, enter and search premises, and seize goods, while also holding out the possibility of extending their powers by notice in the Gazette.
The new Act does not allow scrap metal dealers to have in their possession any apparatus which could be used for the recycling of any controlled metal or any article or substance containing any controlled metal unless registered as a recycler.
Legally dealing in copper is difficult says a former manager of a crap metal dealership
“All scrap metal dealers must have a poster visible with the different types of copper that clearly show what kind of copper can be bought and what is not allowed by law explained Danie Fourie.
“We know that there is a ban on copper being sold but most scrap metal dealers still buy the copper as it is of value and helps make money.”
“When a scrap metal dealer is trading legally, he needs to get proof from the seller on where he obtained the copper being sold and needs a copy of the seller’s ID.”
“Burned copper should never be bought as by being burned it has been altered and it is not as easy to identify if it is indeed legal copper or not,” Fourie said.
Illegal activities should be reported – police
Polokwane police spokesperson, Capt Ntobeng Phala, said the police are unaware of the latest spate of stolen copper and the matter will be investigated. He said any illegal activities surrounding the burning and selling of copper cable must be reported to the nearest police station.
