Police seize R12m copper, investigate cross-border smuggling ring
SAPS seizes suspected stolen copper worth more than R12 million in Johannesburg.
Black News 
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has seized suspected stolen copper worth more than R12 million in City Deep, Johannesburg.
The seizure was made on Thursday by a multidisciplinary team comprising Gauteng Crime Intelligence, Interpol, Border Police, City Deep police, and private security partners.
SAPS spokesperson Vincent Mukhathi says the operation followed intelligence received from Zambian authorities regarding hijacked trucks transporting copper blocks across borders using fraudulent documentation.
According to police, preliminary investigations indicate that the copper may have been moved through a cross-border criminal network.
Mukhathi says, “Intelligence also established that the original serial numbers on the copper had been deliberately filed off, apparently in an attempt to conceal their origin. No arrests have been made at this stage, and investigations are continuing. Police are pursuing all available leads as part of efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible.”
Police say investigations are ongoing as authorities work to establish the origin of the copper and identify those involved in the alleged operation.
#sapsHQ [COPPER WORTH MORE THAN R12 MILLION SEIZED DURING INTELLIGENCE-DRIVEN OPERATION AT CITY DEEP, JOHANNESBURG]
The #SAPS, working with other law enforcement agencies, has seized suspected stolen copper worth more than R12 million at City Deep in Johannesburg.
— SA Police Service
(@SAPoliceService) June 20, 2026
