In the shadowy world of organised crime, copper has become the new gold. South Africa’s roads, once mere arteries of commerce, now serve as hunting grounds for syndicates targeting this valuable commodity.
The stakes are high. Copper mined in Zambia and the DRC, which accounts for about 10% of global supply (estimated at 24 million tonnes), is transported to ports across the region. As copper prices climb, so does the audacity of these criminal enterprises.
The numbers tell a stark story: between January and May 2021, criminals across the Sub-Saharan region hijacked 66 trucks carrying copper, with 60% of these heists occurring on South African soil. Each truck, laden with 32 to 34 tonnes of copper, represents a small fortune. At 2021 prices, these thefts amounted to roughly $21 million. The problem persists today.
The thieves’ modus operandi is alarmingly efficient. Hijacked trucks are driven to an industrial facility where the copper is melted down, erasing serial numbers and ownership marks. It is then resold locally or smuggled abroad. This isn’t just theft; it’s economic sabotage on an industrial scale.
Consider a case from February 2024, when criminals disguised in full Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) uniforms overpowered a driver and a single security escort, making off with R3 million worth of copper. Or the June 2023 incident in which police arrested two suspects caught offloading R6 million worth of hijacked copper plates.
Enter Safeguard Asset Protection Service. Our high-risk escort service begins at the border, where copper trucks are met by our security team. These trucks are then shepherded through the gauntlet of high-risk areas from the border to their final destination.
Safeguard’s approach is multifaceted. We employ PSIRA-registered guards, specialists in high-value, high-risk escorts. Advanced vehicle tracking and recovery systems provide an additional layer of security. It’s a comprehensive strategy designed to ensure that every gram of copper reaches its intended destination.
In this high-stakes game of cat and mouse, companies like Safeguard are not just providing a service; we’re safeguarding an industry. The copper trade in Southern Africa is more than just business; it’s a microcosm of the broader challenges facing our security and economic stability. As copper theft continues to rise, our role becomes increasingly critical in maintaining the integrity of South Africa’s transport infrastructure and, by extension, its economy.
