Scrap metal dealer arrested in Springbok
A 62-YEAR-old scrap metal dealer was arrested by the Namakwa District police on Tuesday at a house in Bergsig, Springbok.
Northern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Timothy Sam said the police confiscated a substantial amount of non-ferrous metals - including copper, aluminium, brass and compressed tin - with an estimated street value of R75,131, after acting on information regarding alleged illegal scrap metal operations.
Sam stated that the team obtained a search warrant and raided the identified house.
“The Public Order Police (POP) unit, under the command of Colonel Kholakele Sontsi, had to withstand the resistance of community members who burnt tyres and rubble preventing police from executing their duties,” said Sam.
He stated that the suspect was charged with contravention of the Second Hand and Scrap Metal Dealer's Act as well as for possession of stolen property.
“He is expected to appear in the Springbok Magistrate’s Court soon.”
The Namakwa District commander, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, thanked the Bergsig community and crime-fighting stakeholders for their active participation in ensuring that perpetrators of crime were brought to book.
“Dealing in stolen goods is a crime. As a community, we need to be responsible and not deal in stolen goods,” he added.
