Detectives from the Organised Crime Unit, specializing in essential infrastructure offences, conducted a successful raid on a residential property in Bothas Hill on Tuesday, 1 July 2025, following a tip-off about illegal copper cable stripping on the premises.
Acting on intelligence, officers, supported by other role players, discovered workers stripping copper cables inside a container at the back of the property. The owner of the premises was unable to provide proof of purchase for the cables, leading to his immediate arrest.
A 43-year-old suspect was detained at the Hillcrest Police Station on charges of possession of suspected stolen property. He is expected to appear in court in the coming days.
Authorities seized the stolen copper cable, estimated to be worth approximately R700,000, for further investigation.
This arrest highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat infrastructure-related crimes, particularly the theft of essential copper cables, which disrupts services and incurs significant costs for the economy.
