A large volume of stolen copper, intercepted by police yesterday near Parys, dealt a blow to copper thieves but also shows just how big stolen copper consignments are becoming in a time when copper theft is severely eroding essential infrastructure countrywide.

Police from the Fezile Dabi District Infrastructure Team intercepted a truck carrying stolen copper cables weighing more than 28 tonnes valued at over R8m during a routine vehicle checkpoint (VCP) operation.

According to Fezile Dabi police spokesperson Sergeant Josephine Rani police were conducting a VCP operation on the N1 at Vaal Plaza near Parys when they stopped a Volvo truck and trailer.

“Upon searching the vehicle, members discovered six bags of stripped copper cables hidden beneath PVC (plastic) covers and other scrap wires inside the trailer,” she said.

“The truck driver, a 46-year-old South African male, provided invoices and delivery notes, which indicated that the cargo should have been PVC cable weighing approximately 27,100 kg.

“However, the documents made no mention of copper cables. When questioned about the discrepancy, the driver was unable to provide a satisfactory explanation,” she added.

Rani said as a result, the suspect was arrested and detained at Sasolburg SAPS facing a charge of possession of stolen copper.

“The truck and trailer were impounded. The confiscated cable weighing about 28 200 kg, with an estimated market value of R8m, was confiscated. The SAPS remains committed to clamping down on copper cable theft, which severely impacts essential infrastructure and services,” she said.

The suspect will appear in the Parys Magistrate’s Court on Monday.