Transnet Applauds Arrests and Convictions in Copper Cable Theft Cases Worth Millions
Viable News Team 
Image Credit: SAPS
Johannesburg – Transnet has welcomed the arrest of five suspects after authorities uncovered stolen copper cable worth an estimated R3 million at an unregistered scrapyard in De Deur, Gauteng.
The arrests followed an intelligence-driven operation by a multidisciplinary team that led law enforcement to the scrapyard. Officers discovered large quantities of copper cable along with homemade stoves allegedly used to burn the metal. Investigations confirmed the cable belonged to Transnet.
The five suspects are expected to appear before the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court soon on charges of:
- Possession of stolen infrastructure
- Dealing in second-hand goods without a license
- Contravening the Immigration Act
Second Major Incident in Gqeberha
In a separate operation, 21 suspects were arrested on Monday at a Transnet depot in Swartkops, Gqeberha, for theft of critical infrastructure valued at R350,000.
The group was allegedly found in possession of copper bus bars, transformers, electrical switches, and cables. Transnet security alerted SAPS after spotting trespassers inside the depot, leading to swift arrests.
Successful Convictions in Eastern Cape
Transnet also hailed the conviction and sentencing of three copper theft criminals by the Molteno Regional Court in the Eastern Cape.
The case, linked to a December 2021 incident in Stormberg, saw the men arrested after Hawks investigators intercepted vehicles transporting stolen copper. On 27 August 2025, the court sentenced each to:
- 15 years in prison for theft and possession of copper cables
- An additional three months for contravening the Immigration Act
The investigation was led by the Komani-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation (SOCI) unit of the Hawks.
Transnet’s Response
Transnet Group Chief Executive Michelle Phillips praised these outcomes, crediting collaboration between Transnet security, SAPS, and other agencies.
“Our work is beginning to make serious inroads in dismantling the destructive criminal syndicates targeting essential infrastructure. We will continue to focus on fighting crimes which are responsible for the destruction of our essential infrastructure,” Phillips said.
Transnet further emphasised that its partnerships with SAPS, the Hawks, NPA, SSA, Eskom, PRASA, and the Department of Justice are critical to turning the tide against cable theft and infrastructure crime.
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