Copper cable theft crackdown: suspect nabbed

Rustenburg – The Boitekong Visible Policing members arrested a 63-year-old man for possessing stolen copper cables, valued at R645,000, during a crime intelligence-led operation on Tuesday 19 March 2024.

The operation was initiated based on intelligence about stolen copper cables. A Toyota Yaris, seen picking up an individual, was stopped and searched by the police. Although initially nothing illegal was found, further investigation at the pick-up location led to the discovery of 389 kilograms of copper cables hidden inside a Toyota Fortuner. This find resulted in the arrest of the passenger from the Toyota Yaris. The suspect faced charges in the Rustenburg Magistrates’ Court on 22 March 2024. 

Lieutenant general Sello Kwena, provincial commissioner of Police in North West, praised the successful operation, emphasising the importance of intelligence-led efforts in combating metal theft.