Copper thieves arrested in Aeroton

The Owner of an alleged dodgy scrap yard in Aeroton is amongst five suspects who have appeared in the Booysens Magistrate’s Court today after they were caught in the act of transacting with suspected copper thieves on Wednesday morning.

Following a tip-off, a multidisciplinary operation led by the #Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team, in collaboration with Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD), Crime Intelligence, Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC), Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) and City Power pounced on the premises of Pady Metals in Aeroton Johannesburg.

The intelligence-driven operation arose from reports that the said scrap yard was dealing in stolen copper cables. The owner, supplier, and employees aged between 37 and 51, were found on the premises. The search uncovered rolls of copper cables concealed in bags as well as four cellphone tower batteries. All exhibits, value not yet determined, have been seized for further investigation.