ZIMBABWEAN TRUCK DRIVER ARRESTED WITH R8M STOLEN COPPER, LEADS POLICE TO SECOND ZIMBABWEAN
A 33-year-old Zimbabwean truck driver has been arrested after he was found in possession of stolen copper worth approximately R7.8 million in South Africa, before leading police to a workshop in Witbank owned by another Zimbabwean national.
The truck and trailer, which were transporting unprocessed copper, were allegedly hijacked on Tuesday morning in Grootvlei, with the driver also taken during the incident.
Following intelligence and tracking information, the Nkangala Anti-Hijacking Task Team, together with Cyber Search Security, traced the trailer to a dealership in Witbank.
According to police, the 33-year-old was first found in possession of the stolen copper – valued at around R7.8 million for the copper alone, and R9 million including the truck, trailer and container. Upon questioning, he led officers to a workshop where the trailer had been kept.
The workshop owner, also a Zimbabwean, was arrested for possession of suspected stolen property. Police further established that he did not have valid documentation to remain in South Africa and charged him under the Immigration Act.
Investigations are ongoing as police continue efforts to locate the hijacked driver and identify other suspects linked to the hijacking.
Both suspects are expected to appear before the Witbank Magistrate’s Court soon. #CrimeNews