A truck driver was arrested by the Hawks for allegedly possessing stolen copper cables valued at R2 million, following an interception along the N1 north near Polokwane.
A truck driver was arrested for allegedly having stolen copper cables belonging to Eskom.
The Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation (Hawks) said the truck was intercepted along the N1 north next to Esja outside Polokwane on 16 February 2025.
“The driver was instructed to stop, and permission was granted to search both the truck and trailers,” said Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Thakeng.
“Upon searching, 27-ton bags fully loaded with copper cables and five bags filled with aluminum scrap metal, with an estimated value of R2 million, were seized.”
Read | Stolen copper worth R6m destined for China recovered in Durban
Eskom personnel were called to the scene and confirmed that the copper cables belonged to the power utility.
The 30-year-old truck driver was arrested for possession of suspected stolen copper cables and aluminum pieces.
He was expected to appear in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court this Tuesday.
Limpopo Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, praised the arrest.
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