‘Copperheads’ ramp up operations

17 September 2023

A review of the unit’s operations over the past two financial years reveals increases in arrests, operations and hotspot patrols, and also massive increases in confiscated infrastructure. And, in spite of ongoing challenges, a handful of recent convictions offer a bit of a silver lining.

The City's Metal Theft Unit (MTU), also known as the Copperheads, arrested 184 suspects between July 2022 and June 2023, up from 161 during the same period in the previous year.

The unit also increased its hotspot patrols by 42%, year-on-year, recorded a 23% increase in notices issued to scrapyards and issued 3 253 fines for various by-law transgressions.

	July 2021 – June 2022	July 2022 – June 2023
Arrests	161	184
Autonomous operations	159	663
Complaints received	603	464
Hotspot patrols	1 643	2 330
Scrapyard compliance notices	2 189	2 704
Fines: general	3 608	3 253

Over a three month period (April – June 2023), the unit confiscated 4 556,4 kilograms of stolen metal, and 405 metres of cable, compared to 537,5 kilograms (metal) and 238,5 metres (cable), during the corresponding period in the previous year.

'These confiscation statistics simply confirm the scale of the problem, and it is compounded by the near consistent higher stages of load-shedding which provides the perfect cover and opportunity for criminals. We've nearly doubled our staff complement since 2019, from just 19 members to 35 currently, and while that has been a welcome boost, the task at hand is quite simply massive. The unit's efforts are supported by the City's other enforcement agencies, but we are not going to win this particular war on our own. We require more swift prosecutions and lengthier sentences to act as deterrents, but also a legislative shift that takes the shine off the scrap metal trade, and the related theft of metals and critical infrastructure,' said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.

In recent months, the MTU has been notified of a few cases dating back to 2020 and 2021, that have been finalised, including:

Two convictions in the Parow Regional Court in terms of the Criminal Matters Amendment Act, with sentences of three and four years respectively
A 12-year sentence handed down in the Wynberg Regional Court in terms of the Criminal Matters Amendment Act

'It is satisfying to see the efforts of our staff come full circle, but it is difficult to create a fulsome picture, as we are not always aware of when cases are finalised - not just for metal theft, but all arrests made by City staff. We are working to forge improved ties with the National Prosecuting Authority and SAPS in this regard. It is not only useful to know where successful prosecutions were achieved, but also to develop an understanding of why cases are not successful, so that we can amend our operations accordingly, if needed.

'It is also imperative to extend a word of thanks to the public for their role in helping us fight theft and vandalism of critical infrastructure. The Metal Theft Unit has built up an exceptional informant base, and receives many positive tips that result in arrests. I want to remind residents to say something if they see something. Tips are always welcome, and can also be passed along anonymously,' added Alderman Smith.

In one of the most recent incidents, earlier this month, officers received an anonymous tip off about a vehicle that was transporting stolen cables.

They intercepted the vehicle along Klipheuwel Road, and found a bag filled with copper cable – the occupants could not account for the items, and the trio was arrested.

Residents can report crime and by-law offences anonymously, 24-hours a day, on 0800 110077.

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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office