Three men, between the ages of 34 and 36, were arrested for possession of stolen property and damaging/ tampering with essential infrastructure after police clamped down on an illegal scrap metal dealer that was operating in the Umhlali policing area, last week.

The illegal scrapyard was situated in Shakaskraal, according to provincial police spokeswoman, Lieutenant Colonel Nqobile Gwala.

“Police received intelligence about an illegal scrap metal dealer that was operating in the area. A multi-disciplinary joint operation was put in place after police had conducted a preliminary reconnaissance of the identified premises. The team swooped in on the scrapyard and an inspection was conducted. It was established that the business was indeed operating illegally,” Gwala said.

Copper cables, which belonged to Transnet, were seized and weighed in at 614.5kg.

A further search was conducted and 18 cellphone tower batteries were found concealed in a bag. The total value of the recovered property is estimated at R1m.

“The docket has been transferred to the Hawks, who have taken over the investigation. The suspects are expected to appear in the KwaDukuza Magistrates Court on Monday, July 25,” she concluded.

Members of the community are urged to report criminal activities to the police via Crime Stop on 08600-10111 or through the MySAPS app.