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Police Seek Help in Finding Radioactive Container Stolen in Sydenham

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GQEBERHA – Police in Nelson Mandela Bay are investigating a case of theft out of motor vehicle, which was discovered at about 06:00 on Friday, 10 November 2023, by the owners a visiting welding business from KwaZulu-Natal. Their vehicle was parked in Mulder Avenue, Sydenham while at a guest house. One of the items stolen from the vehicle was a sealed container (see image) containing a radioactive isotope called Iridium 192. The isotope is used by the industry to do X-ray welding inspections. While the container is still sealed it is safe, but if tampered with or opened, the isotope radiation blast to any person close to it can be harmed from radioactive poisoning. According to the company, the levels of radiation can also differ depending on the period of exposure of the person that was close to the isotope.

SAPS Seek assistance in recovering this Radioactive container.

After consultation with the management of the welding business, police are warning people to be on the alert for this canister and not to tamper with it, should it be found. SAPS Mount Road or their closest police station must be immediately contacted. Also, police are appealing to anyone with information that would assist in finding the container or the suspects involved, can contact SAPS Mount Road Detectives, Detective Constable Micaela Swart at 069 358 9965.

Any person that had any contact with the container should also contact the Radiation Protection Officer at 081 391 3019 / 084 387 1383 to establish if the person sustained any harm from the exposure.

UPDATE:  Update: Radioactive canister recovered: Gqeberha

The stolen radioactive canister has been found at a scrap yard dealer in North End by its owners this morning.

The scrap yard dealer contacted the owners via the numbers provided on the flyers that were circulated. According to the dealer, a male attempted to sell the item to them and when the dealer started to question him, he ran away.

The canister was collected by its owners at the scarp yard. According to them, it didn’t seem to have been tampered with. No arrests have been made however police are appealing to anyone with information that would assist in finding the suspect/s involved, to contact SAPS Mount Road Detectives, Detective Constable Micaela Swart at 069 358 9965.

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