The South African Police Service (SAPS) has recovered suspected stolen goods estimated at R20 million and arrested three suspects in Algoa Park as part of the ongoing Operation Ukubuza.
Police act on tip-off in Algoa Park
On Wednesday evening, 2 September 2026, police acted on information about a truck parked at an overnight truck stop along Uitenhage Road in Algoa Park. The vehicle was allegedly transporting suspected stolen property. Members responded immediately, searched the truck, and discovered multiple bulk sling bags containing copper and mixed metal.
Confiscated goods and confirmed ownership
The confiscated goods include five bulk sling bags of copper weighing 2 529.573 kg and eight bulk sling bags of mixed metal weighing 4 086 kg. The combined estimated value is R20 million. Further enquiries with Telkom and Eskom confirmed that the recovered copper cables belonged to the two entities.
Three suspects arrested
Two suspects, aged 21 and 43, were arrested for possession of suspected stolen property. A third suspect, aged 46, was arrested for tampering with, damaging or destroying essential infrastructure in terms of the Criminal Matters Amendment Act.
Impact of copper theft on communities
SAPS noted that the recovery is significant because the theft and illegal trade in copper and other essential infrastructure can disrupt electricity and telecommunications services, affect businesses and communities, and result in substantial costs to repair damaged infrastructure.
Operation Ukubuza continues to yield positive results in the fight against infrastructure-related crime.