A 39-year-old man was arrested after police allegedly found a large quantity of suspected stolen copper cables, a firearm and ammunition hidden inside the boot of a white Renault in Masakaneng village.

The arrest was made last Thursday (October 1) after information was received by members of the Sekhukhune District Tactical Response and Investigation Team, working with private security personnel.

Police had been following up on information about a white Renault allegedly being used to steal and transport copper cables around the Sekhukhune District.

The vehicle was spotted in Masakaneng, under the Groblersdal policing precinct, and stopped.

Hidden gun found

During a search, police allegedly discovered the copper cables, a firearm and ammunition concealed in the boot.

The driver was unable to produce a valid firearm licence or the required licence for the ammunition. He also allegedly failed to provide documentation required to possess second-hand goods in terms of the Second-Hand Goods Act.

Crime leads to court

He was arrested on the scene and charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm, possession of ammunition and possession of suspected stolen copper cables.

The suspect was expected to made his first appearance in the Groblersdal Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Masonda said, “Investigations regarding the stolen copper and the origins and possible use of the confiscated firearm in other criminal activities are continuing.”

The arrest also comes amid continued police operations targeting copper cable theft and infrastructure-related crime in the wider Sekhukhune and Steve Tshwete areas.