An intelligence-driven operation by the South African Police Service Benoni Flying Squad, working together with a private security company, has led to the recovery of copper worth an estimated R7 million following the hijacking of four trucks on the R21 near Olifantsfontein.
The trucks were hijacked on Saturday, 9 May 2026, sparking a swift follow-up operation by law enforcement and security teams.
According to police, members of the Benoni Flying Squad acted on intelligence that led them to plots within the Putfontein policing precinct on Sunday, 10 May 2026. Upon arrival at one of the properties, officers recovered copper believed to be part of the hijacked cargo.
The owners of the consignment were able to positively identify the recovered copper through serial numbers marked on the load.
Two suspects found at the property were immediately arrested. A third suspect was later arrested in Bapsfontein after he was allegedly caught offloading copper from one of the hijacked trailers.
Preliminary investigations resulted in the recovery of approximately 1 075 pieces of square copper, with the recovered load estimated to be worth around R7 million.
Police also recovered a private vehicle that had previously been reported stolen in the Free State in 2019. In addition, a truck hijacked in the Vosman policing area in 2025 was also found during the operation.
The three suspects are expected to appear in court soon on charges linked to truck hijacking, possession of suspected stolen property, and possession of hijacked vehicles.
Police investigations into the matter are continuing.
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