An intelligence-driven operation conducted by members of the Benoni Flying Squad, in collaboration with a private security company, led to the recovery of copper worth an estimated R7 million following the hijacking of four trucks on the R21 near Olifantsfontein on Saturday, 09 May 2026.
Three suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident. The operation was carried out at plots within the Putfontein policing precinct on Sunday, 10 May 2026.
Acting on information received, members of the Benoni Flying Squad and the private security company followed up on intelligence that led them to a plot in the Putfontein area, where copper suspected to be part of the hijacked consignment was recovered. The owners of the consignment positively identified the recovered cargo through serial numbers marked on the copper.
Two suspects found at the property were immediately arrested. A third suspect was later arrested in Bapsfontein after he was allegedly found offloading copper from one of the hijacked trailers.
Preliminary investigations further resulted in the recovery of approximately 1 075 pieces of square copper with an estimated value of R7 million. Police also recovered a private vehicle that had been reported stolen in the Free State in 2019, as well as a truck that had been hijacked in the Vosman policing area in 2025.
The three arrested suspects are expected to appear before court soon on charges related to truck hijacking, possession of suspected stolen property, and possession of hijacked vehicles. Police investigations are continuing.
Copper worth an estimated R7 million recovered following the hijacking of four trucks on the R21 near Olifantsfontein https://t.co/gwjZZ3dLEC#ArriveAlive #TruckHijacking #CopeprTheft @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/12s0r9FPhB
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) May 11, 2026
