Africa-Press – South-Africa. A 59-year-old scrap dealer was arrested at his business premises in Makhanda in the Eastern Cape on Monday morning after he was caught in alleged possession of 120kg of illegal cooper that was destined for Gqeberha.
Police acted on a tip-off that a scrap metal dealer was allegedly trading in illegal copper in Joza in Makhanda.
According to authorities, the consignment had already been packed and was ready to be delivered to Gqeberha when police pounced on the premises. Police seized the copper for further investigation.
The dealer was arrested and is expected to appear in Makhanda Magistrate’s Court on a charge of theft.
According to police spokesperson Sergeant Majola Nkohli, police asked Telkom, Transnet, Eskom and municipalities in the area to identify whether any of the copper belonged to them.
“An invitation was extended to the stakeholders to come and identify the copper, although this must still happen,” Nkohli added.
Sarah Baartman District Commander, Brigadier John Lebok, praised officers for the arrest.
He said scrap metal dealers have to follow the law and keep registers of all their transactions.
Two men arrested after allegedly being found with stolen copper cables worth R3m
“Each customer must furnish a copy of identity book with address details to the dealer who, in turn, has to keep those records in the registers so as to combat theft of copper by unscrupulous thieves and robbers [who are] hell-bent on making a quick buck while other community members suffer,” Lebok added.
Never miss a story. Choose from our range of newsletters to get the news you want delivered straight to your inbox.
For More News And Analysis About South-Africa Follow Africa-Press
