The South African Police Service has dealt a major blow to international organised crime following a successful intelligence-driven operation in City Deep, Johannesburg. Law enforcement agencies collaborated to seize a massive consignment of suspected stolen copper with an estimated value exceeding R12 million.

Intelligence-led investigation and cross-border coordination

This significant breakthrough began when authorities in Zambia alerted their South African counterparts to the hijacking of three trucks tasked with transporting copper blocks. Following up on this critical information, a multidisciplinary team – consisting of Gauteng Crime Intelligence, Interpol, the Border Police, and private security partners – launched an investigation.

Criminal tactics and fraudulent activities

Preliminary findings indicate that the criminal syndicate utilised trucks fitted with false Tanzanian registration plates to facilitate the crime. One of these vehicles was eventually recovered in Zambia, where investigators discovered that it had been displaying registration numbers linked to a South African logistics company, confirming it had been used to transport the illicit cargo.

Further scrutiny revealed that two trucks, loaded with approximately 121 tonnes of copper slabs, had entered South Africa through the Beitbridge Border Post on 10 June 2026. These shipments were allegedly moved across the border using fraudulent customs documentation to evade detection.

The seizure at City Deep

Acting on this intelligence, the multidisciplinary team executed a targeted operation in City Deep on 18 June 2026, leading to the recovery of 26 bundles of copper valued at R12 680 000. Authorities noted that the original serial numbers on the seized copper had been deliberately filed off, a clear attempt by the syndicate to conceal the origin of the stolen goods.

Ongoing investigation

While no arrests have been made at this stage, the police have confirmed that investigations are ongoing as they pursue all available leads to apprehend those responsible for this transnational criminal enterprise.