“In the early hours of Friday 22 January 2021, the Sedibeng TRT and other units followed the intelligence-driven information about the truck full of copper that was robbed in Cleveland, heading to Sedibeng,” Police spokesperson Kay Makhubela said in a statement.

“The information led the team to Vanderbijlpark where copper to the estimated value of 3 million rands was recovered. Further information was received that more copper was hidden in De Deur. Police proceeded to a plot in De Deur where more copper plates to the estimated value of 1.8 million rands were recovered.”

Makhubela said the suspect will be profiled to determine if he is not linked to their cases.

“An investigation is under way as police continue to search for other suspects who may be working with the arrested suspect in the commission of crimes.”