Combined Task Force home in on illegal metals value chain – NMBM

A combined task force, comprising the South African Police Services, Metro Police and Municipal Security, conducted a sting operation at a Deal Party scrap metal dealer in an effort to disrupt the supply chain of illegal metals, costing the municipality millions annually.

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Executive Mayor Nqaba Bhanga said the security forces managed to effect up to twenty arrests of cable thieves recently.

“This is just the tip of the ice berg. A concerted effort is now in place to focus on scrap metal dealers buying the illegal state property, providing a value chain that makes our infrastructure installations vulnerable.

“We are prepared to throw the book at these shady operators if they continue to buy stolen cables and will close their businesses if they do not comply with the conditions stipulated in their business licences or health and safety regulations.

“We cannot continue to lose millions of taxpayer money every year to replace stolen cables,” Mayor Bhanga said.

Today’s sting operation follows the successful closure of a scrapyard two weeks ago where a myriad suspected municipal property was uncovered.

Member of the Mayoral Committee for Safety and Security, John Best said due to the ongoing investigation regarding the alleged illegality at that scrapyard, more details will be released at a later stage.

“However, we are continuing with these operations, as efficient law enforcement is an important component to curb the vandalism of municipal property and other infrastructure.

“It becomes more evident that the stolen cables and cell phone tower batteries are also distributed outside our city borders, necessitating the beefing up of roadblocks to deal with this scourge.

“We are also engaging with the Hawks regarding any evidence pointing towards activities pointing towards national crime syndicates,” MMC Best said.

Compliance notices regarding the transgression of municipal bylaws will be issued to the Deal Party scrapyard, while the ownership of property found at the facility is under investigation.

Metro Police Commissioner Yolande Faro said the owner must show documentation to account for the copper cables, a chopped up car and other property on the premises.

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Issued on behalf of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality by Media Management Officer Kupido Baron (082 780 2726 / 041 506 1500 / kbaron@mandelametro.gov.za / @kupidobaron).