A major police operation in the Eastern Cape has resulted in the arrest of nine men after authorities discovered more than 1.6 tonnes of suspected stolen copper cables concealed beneath a mattress in a bakkie.
The seizure highlights South Africa’s ongoing battle against infrastructure-related crime, particularly the theft of copper cables, which continues to disrupt electricity, telecommunications and transport networks across the country.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the operation was launched following intelligence reports about a vehicle transporting a suspiciously heavy load towards Gqeberha.
Intelligence-led operation leads to major seizure
Police said officers received information on 19 June 2026 regarding an Isuzu bakkie travelling from Ku Gompo to Gqeberha carrying what appeared to be an unusually heavy cargo.
Additional intelligence later indicated that the vehicle had broken down on the R72 near Kenton-on-Sea.
A multidisciplinary team comprising the Port Alfred Crime Intelligence Unit, K9 Unit, Crime Prevention Unit, Detectives and Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit was mobilised to investigate.
When officers arrived at the scene, they located the Isuzu parked alongside two other vehicles.
A search of the bakkie revealed 1,619.18 kilograms of copper cables hidden beneath a mattress in the loading area. Police estimate the value of the recovered material at approximately R600,000.
Investigators also discovered equipment believed to have been used in copper theft operations inside one of the accompanying vehicles.
All three vehicles were confiscated for further investigation, while 11 suspicious mobile phones were seized as potential evidence.
The nine suspects, aged between 26 and 46, were arrested on charges relating to the possession of suspected stolen property and are expected to appear before the Kenton-on-Sea Magistrate’s Court.
Infrastructure crime remains a national concern
Copper cable theft has become one of South Africa’s most costly criminal activities, affecting essential infrastructure and creating significant economic losses.
Government agencies have classified attacks on critical infrastructure as a national emergency due to the widespread disruption caused by cable theft syndicates.
Research published by the Department of Trade in 2024 estimated that copper theft costs the South African economy more than R45 billion annually through service interruptions, repairs, business losses and security expenses.
The latest arrests follow another intelligence-driven operation earlier this month in North West Province, where police apprehended eight suspects found transporting four stolen cellphone tower batteries valued at approximately R500,000.
Authorities believe organised criminal networks increasingly target infrastructure assets because of the lucrative resale value of copper and other materials.
South Africa has responded by introducing tougher penalties for infrastructure-related crimes. Under the Criminal Matters Amendment Act, individuals convicted of offences involving essential infrastructure can face prison sentences of up to 30 years.
Courts have already handed down severe punishments in several high-profile cases. In 2021, five individuals convicted on dozens of copper cable theft charges linked to Eskom and Telkom infrastructure received lengthy prison sentences after operating across Namaqualand and parts of the Western Cape between 2016 and 2018.
Law enforcement agencies say intelligence-led operations, increased cooperation between specialised units and stricter sentencing are key tools in the ongoing effort to combat infrastructure crime and protect vital national assets.
Source: South African Police Service (SAPS)