GAUTENG — A significant law enforcement operation has resulted in a major West Rand copper cable arrest, leading to the recovery of suspected stolen infrastructure valued at approximately R800,000 and the detention of two foreign nationals.
The successful bust, which took place on Tuesday, 22 September 2026, was the culmination of an intelligence-driven operation aimed at disrupting the illicit transport of valuable metals in the region.
According to law enforcement, authorities received actionable information regarding two vehicles that were allegedly transporting stolen copper cable from the North West Province toward Krugersdorp.
To execute the interception, the West Rand Crime Intelligence unit operationalized the tip-off. The operation was conducted through a robust multi-agency collaboration, bringing together the West Rand Flying Squad, the West Rand District Crime Prevention Unit, and several private security companies.
Acting on the intelligence, officers spotted the targeted vehicles traveling on the R24 highway towards Krugersdorp and initiated a stop. Upon searching the bakkies, police discovered a large quantity of copper cable loaded in the back of the vehicles. The recovered property has been estimated to be worth roughly R800,000.
Following the seizure, the two suspects—identified as Pakistani nationals—were arrested at the scene.
A spokesperson for the West Rand police confirmed the details of the operation, noting that the suspects are currently in custody and are expected to appear in court soon.
The spokesperson further stated that police have officially opened a case of possession of suspected stolen property. Investigations into the matter remain ongoing as authorities work to trace the origin of the cables and determine if any additional accomplices are involved in the theft and transportation network.
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