In a significant crackdown, Botswana police arrested two Zimbabwean men in Mogoditshane Block 9, Gaborone. They seized copper cables valued at over P1 million during a raid on an unlicensed scrap yard. According to reports from Mmegi, the men, aged 27 and 35, were apprehended for allegedly operating unlicensed scrap yards in Mogoditshane Block 9 and Ledumadumane. A third suspect remains at large.

Assistant Superintendent Mompoloki Ramaphoi of Mogoditshane Police Station stated that the men failed to provide a legitimate account for the large quantity of copper cables found in their possession. Following the investigation, authorities tracked down the third suspect’s residence in Ledumadumane, where they discovered vehicles loaded with copper cables. Despite the suspect fleeing, the vehicles were confiscated as crucial evidence.

Ramaphoi emphasized that the total value of the seized copper cables exceeds P1 million. This has raised suspicions that the men were involved in purchasing stolen cables from criminals and reselling them to licensed scrap yards.

Authorities suspect that a significant portion of the seized copper cables may belong to Botswana Telecommunications Corporation (BTC). There is also a strong likelihood that some cables originated from Zimbabwe, a country known for frequent incidents of copper theft.

This operation underscores ongoing efforts to combat illegal activities in the scrap metal trade across borders, aiming to curb theft and protect critical infrastructure from exploitation.

In other news – Severe weather hits Western Cape, affecting over 15,000 people

The Western Cape is currently facing persistent heavy rains, prompting the Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC) to maintain its coordination efforts in response to successive cold fronts. According to the latest update from the South African Weather Service (SAWS) during its daily briefing at the Joint Operations Centre (JOC):

An Orange Level 8 alert remains in effect for disruptive rain, strong winds, and mudslides due to the recent cold front making landfall. This warning specifically affects the Cape Town Metropole, Drakenstein, and Stellenbosch areas. Read More