The Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation team in Upington served four suspects, aged between 35 and 65 years with summons to appear in court. The suspects were served with notices in three different locations simultaneously on Tuesday, 28 June 2022.
The suspects are accused of contravention of Second Hand Goods Act.
A project driven investigation was launched in September 2019, with a specific focus on illegal buying and distribution of non-ferrous metals.
Non-ferrous metal theft has been declared a national priority offence in South Africa, which results in loss of substantial amounts of money by the Government, state entities and the private sector.
Theft of non-ferrous metals also cripple the essential services due to damage to essential infrastructure in the country.
Four companies which are metal dealers were identified and monitored overtime. Telkom copper cables worth R111 146-70 were involved. Two companies are in Upington while the others are in Kuruman and Kimberley respectively.
Suspects are expected to appear in their respective Magistrates courts on Tuesday, 19 July 2022. Investigation on the matter continues.
