R30m copper haul recovered in Hammanskraal
A Zimbabwean national was arrested and multimillion rands worth of copper was successfully recovered in a joint operation. In a separate operation, a tip-off led to the arrest of a man in possession of unlicensed firearms.
Hijacked trucks carrying copper valued at an estimated R30-million were recovered in Hammanskraal following a co-ordinated law enforcement operation led by the TMPD.
The recovery formed part of a joint operation involving the TMPD Tactical Unit, SAPS, Gauteng Traffic Police and private security companies.
The trucks had been reported as hijacked on January 13 at separate locations along the N1 and in the Murray Hill area.
Acting on information received after the hijackings were reported, law enforcement teams launched a targeted follow-up operation.
The trucks were later traced and recovered along the R101 in Hammanskraal. A Zimbabwean national was arrested at the scene, on charges of hijacking and possession of stolen property.
TMPD spokesperson Warrant Officer Puleng Motholo said the operation demonstrated the importance of inter-agency collaboration in tackling organised crime.
“This successful recovery is the result of strong co-operation between TMPD, SAPS, traffic police and private security. By working together and acting swiftly on information received, we were able to recover high-value stolen property and make an arrest,” said Motholo.
In a separate operation conducted on January 14, the TMPD Drug and Crime Prevention Unit arrested a man in Centurion following an anonymous tip-off from a community member.
During a search, officers discovered unlicensed ammunition and firearms, including an R5 rifle, a PX4 Beretta pistol and a shotgun.
The suspect was arrested, and the case was handed over to SAPS for further investigation.
Motholo praised the role of the community in supporting crime prevention efforts.
“Information from the public remains critical in the fight against crime. We encourage residents to continue working with law enforcement by reporting suspicious activities,” she said.
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