The South African Police Service (SAPS), working alongside other law enforcement agencies, seized suspected stolen copper worth more than R12 million during an intelligence-driven operation at City Deep in Johannesburg. The operation formed part of efforts to disrupt transnational organised smuggling syndicates linked to cross-border crime.
A multidisciplinary team comprising Gauteng Crime Intelligence, Interpol, Border Police City Deep and private security partners carried out the operation after receiving intelligence from Zambian authorities about the hijacking of three trucks transporting copper blocks. Preliminary investigations revealed that trucks displaying false Tanzanian registration plates were allegedly used in the commission of the crime.
Investigators established that two trucks carrying about 121 tonnes of copper slabs entered South Africa through the Beitbridge Border Post on 10 June 2026, allegedly using fraudulent customs documentation. During the follow-up operation conducted in City Deep on 18 June 2026, police seized 26 bundles of copper with an estimated value of R12,680,000. Intelligence also indicated that the original serial numbers on the copper had been deliberately filed off.
No arrests had been made at the time of reporting, and investigations remain ongoing. Police said they are pursuing all available leads to identify and apprehend those responsible for the alleged smuggling operation while further investigations continue into the origin and movement of the seized copper.
