Police recover copper worth about R20m from Durban scrapyard
Most of the copper is believed to have been stolen from the Ethekwini municipality.
Police in KwaZulu-Natal have recovered stolen copper cables worth approximately R20 million at a scrapyard on Martin Drive in Queensburgh. Picture: SAPS
JOHANNESBURG - Police in Kwazulu-Natal have recovered copper worth approximately R20 million at a scrapyard in Queensburgh, south of Durban.
Most of this copper is believed to have been stolen from the eThekwini Municipality.
Officers said that they received a tip-off earlier on Wednesday about where the copper was being sold.
Police spokesperson Robert Netshiunda said: "When we pounced at the scrapyard, we found that there is a copper that looks suspicious and we engaged the relevant stakeholders. Thus far, the eThekwini Municipality has identified that the large amount of copper, which is believed to be illegal here, belongs to the municipality."
He said that the owner of the scrapyard had been arrested.
"A 59-year-old man who identified himself as the manager of the scrap yard has been detained and after thorough processing and will be arrested, charged and taken to court."
[IN PICTURES] Police say the stolen copper is worth approximately R 20 million rand, the @eThekwiniM has confirmed most it belongs to the municipality. @_NMabaso pic.twitter.com/s5adoxPpgZ
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) September 4, 2024