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COPS SAY NO TO R100K COPPER BRIBE

18 September 2026 · Platinum Weekly

COPS SAY NO TO R100K COPPER BRIBE

Pots, lids and equipment seized from the suspected illegal aluminium pot-manufacturing operation.

Rustenburg – Two separate intelligence-driven operations have dealt a blow to suspected illegal trade in critical infrastructure, with nearly two tonnes of copper cable seized and Eskom conductors allegedly found at a backyard pot-making operation.

Rustenburg route ends in major seizure
On Saturday evening, 12 September 2026, police intercepted a white Jeep and silver Toyota Hilux near a Zeerust service station after receiving information about vehicles allegedly transporting copper cable from Mahikeng through Rustenburg to Gauteng. A white Nissan Tiida, believed to have been escorting the vehicles, was also identified.

Officers seized three vehicles, five cellphones and approximately 1,860kg of copper cable packed into about 40 bags, with additional loose cable also recovered. Its value is still being determined.

Bilal Ali (28) and Rukhsar Arshaad (28) were arrested for possession of suspected stolen copper cable.

During the arrests, Muhammad Awais (33) allegedly offered police officers R100,000 to release the suspects. The officers refused, and he was arrested on a corruption charge.

The three Pakistani nationals appeared in the Zeerust Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 14 September, and were remanded in custody until Wednesday, 23 September. Police are also investigating a possible link to an earlier Rustenburg case, as well as the suspects’ immigration status.

Eskom cables allegedly turned into pots
In a separate operation on Thursday, 10 September, police uncovered what appeared to be an illegal aluminium pot-manufacturing operation at Maditlhokwa Shaft in Marikana, Rustenburg. Officers seized 18 aluminium pots, 41 lids, six steel cooking pots used to boil aluminium and manufacturing equipment. About 150kg of aluminium cable pieces, identified by an Eskom technician as Eskom conductors, were also recovered. No arrests had been made at the time of publication, but police are following leads to identify those allegedly involved.

Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Arthur Peter Adams praised the officials and community members whose information assisted police. Residents are urged to report suspicious activity involving the theft, transportation or sale of copper cable and other critical infrastructure.

Suspected stolen copper cable packed across the back seat of one of the vehicles intercepted near Zeerust.
Suspected stolen copper cable packed across the back seat of one of the vehicles intercepted near Zeerust.
Bags and loose pieces of suspected stolen copper cable found on the back of one of the seized vehicles.
Bags and loose pieces of suspected stolen copper cable found on the back of one of the seized vehicles.
Approximately 150kg of aluminium cable pieces, identified by an Eskom technician as Eskom conductors, were recovered near Marikana.
Approximately 150kg of aluminium cable pieces, identified by an Eskom technician as Eskom conductors, were recovered near Marikana.