Cape Town – The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) Tactical Response Unit has arrested two men after recovering suspected stolen copper sheets valued at approximately R16 million during an intelligence-led operation in Booysens on Thursday.
The two suspects, both 43-year-old Chinese nationals, were taken into custody and charged with possession of suspected stolen property. They are currently being detained at Johannesburg Central SAPS.
“The information led officers to the truck transporting the stolen copper at a warehouse in Booysens,” the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department said in a statement.
According to JMPD, officers acted on intelligence linking the copper sheets to a theft case registered at Maydon Wharf SAPS in Durban. The information directed the Tactical Response Unit to a warehouse located at the corner of Treu and Vlak streets, where the truck transporting the suspected stolen copper was believed to be.
Upon arriving at the premises, officers conducted a search of the warehouse and discovered suspected stolen copper sheets loaded inside two trucks parked in the yard. The recovered copper is estimated to be worth around R16 million.
“The estimated value of the recovered copper sheets was approximately R16 million,” the statement said.
The two men found at the warehouse were immediately arrested and taken to Johannesburg Central SAPS, where they remain in custody while investigations continue.
JMPD praised the success of the intelligence-driven operation, describing it as another example of effective collaboration in tackling organised crime and protecting critical infrastructure.
“JMPD remains committed to combating crimes involving critical infrastructure and working closely with all law enforcement agencies and the community to bring perpetrators to justice.”
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Compliled by Glaan Sibuyi
