Staff Reporter.
Hawks in Gauteng recovered R50 million worth of copper in Pretoria on Friday, after receiving information about a syndicate involving criminal activities.
Hawks spokesperson Katlego Mogale said the unit acted on a tip-off about a syndicate that involves various criminal activities, including dealing and selling copper.
A 27-year-old suspect was arrested in Booysens, where they found the owner of the property who indicated he bought copper at an auction in Bloemfontein.
The arrest came after the suspect produced a second-hand goods dealer permit claiming he is authorised to deal in copper.
“The suspect was informed that he need to be in possession of a certificate allowing him to possess copper as per Criminal Matters Amendment Act 18 of 2015. The 27 year old suspect was arrested and copper valued at over R50 million was confiscated,” said Mogale.
The suspect is expected to appear in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
Also on Friday, police arrested three suspects in the Free State after they were found with diesel that is suspected to be stolen.
The public order police unit made the arrests in Intabazwe, near Harrismith, after receiving intelligence about where the diesel was being stored.
“The team immediately followed up information which led to arrest of three suspects aged 28, 33 and 44 who were found in possession of suspected stolen diesel,” said police spokesperson Warrant officer Mmako Mophiring.
Mophiring said 14 containers, adding up to 25 litres, of diesel and a black bakkie were seized.
The three suspects will appear before the Harrismith Magistrate’s Court on Monday, and face charges of possession of suspected stolen property.