Northern Cape cops strike copper in R6.7 million cross-border crime sweep

A MASSIVE week-long joint crime operation across four provinces has resulted in 509 arrests, with the Northern Cape making key breakthroughs — including the seizure of over a ton of suspected stolen copper and the arrest of an armed suspect on the N9.

The co-ordinated blitz, involving forces from the Northern Cape, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and the Free State, ran from June 23 to 27 and targeted cross-border crime syndicates operating along provincial boundaries.

Kuruman Copper Sting

In one of the Northern Cape’s most notable busts, police swooped on a location in Kuruman, uncovering 1,230kg of copper — including bus bars and burnt cables — with an estimated value of R250,000. The copper is believed to have been stolen, and investigations are under way to trace its origin and link it to cable theft syndicates plaguing the region.

N9 Gun Bust

A day later, officers manning a roadblock on the N9 between Noupoort and Middelburg stopped a silver Peugeot. A search uncovered a rifle and 27 rounds of 9mm ammunition. The driver, who could not provide a firearm licence, was arrested on the spot for the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Northern Cape’s Strategic Role

The operation focused on high-traffic smuggling corridors and rural crime zones. Northern Cape officers, along with national counterparts, carried out:

• Roadblocks and vehicle checkpoints to clamp down on illicit goods.
• Searches of scrapyards and second-hand dealers to curb metal theft.
• Rural patrols on farms to tackle agricultural crimes and livestock theft.
• Joint compliance inspections across the region.

Across the four provinces, authorities confiscated illicit goods worth R6.7 million, including counterfeit products, drugs, stolen copper, and unlicensed firearms. Among the haul:

• R5 million in fake goods,
• R1 million in illegal drugs,
• 4 unlicensed firearms,
• and over 160 undocumented individuals arrested.

United Against Crime

In total, more than 4,100 officers from SAPS, SANParks, Home Affairs, Traffic, Border Management, and other law enforcement agencies took part. The Northern Cape’s strong participation underlined the province’s critical role in blocking smuggling routes and dismantling criminal operations.

Police say the visible policing presence and high-density patrols helped drastically reduce crime during the operation, especially in border towns and farming regions.

Police Promise More to Come

The provincial SAPS command has praised the dedication and discipline of all deployed units, calling the operation a resounding success in disrupting serious organised crime. They’ve vowed to keep pressure on cross-border syndicates and ensure that rural communities and transport routes remain secure.