PHOTOS: Queensburgh scrapyard manager arrested after R20 million copper haul

A 59-year-old scrapyard manager has been arrested after police seized bags full of copper cables from a site in Durban’s Queensburgh area on Wednesday afternoon.

According to police, the stolen cables are worth approximately R20 million.

“Police gathered information on Tuesday about illegal activities taking place at the scrapyard on Martin Drive in Queensburgh,” said Colonel Robert Netshiunda, spokesperson for the South African Police Service in KwaZulu-Natal.

He said an operation was subsequently launched led by the Public Order Police.

“On Wednesday morning, the operation, which also involved members of the Hawks, was carried out and a large quantity of copper was recovered. eThekwini Municipality officials confirmed that most of the stolen copper recovered belongs to the municipality,” Netshiunda added.

Police have recovered copper cables worth R20 million from a scrapyard in Queensburgh, Durban. Photo: SAPS/Supplied

Police have recovered copper cables worth R20 million from a scrapyard in Queensburgh, Durban. Photo: SAPS/Supplied

Police have recovered copper cables worth R20 million from a scrapyard in Queensburgh, Durban. Photo: SAPS/Supplied

A man who introduced himself as the scrapyard manager was arrested.

Netshiunda said the man will appear in court in due course.

Police have recovered copper cables worth R20 million from a scrapyard in Queensburgh, Durban. Photo: SAPS/Supplied

In June, the SAPS eThekwini Economic Infrastructure Task Team collected copper cables worth R450,000 from a company in Isipingo.

At the time, three men between the ages of 32 and 46 were spotted with a tub full of copper. The men could not explain where or how they came into possession of the property.

The trio, all foreigners, were arrested and charged with manipulating essential infrastructure.

A research report by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime shows that copper cable theft is having a devastating impact on municipalities and state-owned enterprises in the country.

Corruption Watch further reported how while thefts are carried out by criminals, they are part of a much larger network linked to even larger syndicates involved in kidnapping, drug trafficking and organised crime.

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