Politics
Nine suspected copper thieves arrested in Kenton-on-Sea
Nine suspected copper thieves have been arrested in Kenton-on-Sea in the Eastern Cape after police recovered copper cable valued at more than R500 000.
The arrests were made on Friday after police acted on information about a bakkie carrying a heavy load on the road between KuGompo City and Gqeberha.
Police spokesperson Captain Marius McCarthy says officers traced the vehicle after receiving the tip-off.
The bakkie later broke down on the R72, where police intercepted it.
During the operation, police also confiscated two additional vehicles that were travelling with the broken-down bakkie.
Investigations revealed that the copper cable, weighing more than 1 600 kilograms, had been concealed beneath a mattress in the bakkie.
Police also seized 11 cellphones during the arrests.
The nine suspects are expected to face charges related to the possession and transportation of suspected stolen copper.
Police investigations are continuing.
#sapsEC [NINE SUSPECTS NABBED FOR POSSESSION OF SUSPECTED STOLEN COPPER]
An intelligence-driven operation led to the arrest of nine suspects (aged 26–46) for possession of suspected stolen copper worth more than R600 000.
On 19/06, police received information about an Isuzu… pic.twitter.com/F5PmWdbvD6
— SA Police Service
(@SAPoliceService) June 21, 2026
