Cape Town’s Metal Theft Unit, the Copperheads as they are known locally, has made 88 arrests, recovered more than a kilometre of stolen cable and seized over 800 kilograms of stolen metal in the ten months between July 2025 and April 2026, as the City intensifies its battle against one of its most damaging forms of crime.
The unit’s haul reflects the scale of an operation that spans nearly 6 000 hotspot patrols, more than 1 200 scrapyard compliance inspections, responses to 423 public complaints and the issuing of 3 095 fines for by-law transgressions, all in one year.
Since July 2025, inspectors have closed 42 scrap metal dealers and 94 bucket shops for offences ranging from continued non-compliance with applicable legislation and criminal convictions, to failure to register as a second-hand goods dealer or metal recycler.
600 Scrap dealers and bucket shops
Mayco member for safety and security JP Smith said technology is now playing a growing role in the unit’s work. “In recent years, the unit, like many others in the City’s safety and security directorate, has started using technology like CCTV, drones and thermal imagery to amplify their operations and cover more ground, particularly in more rural landscapes,” he said.
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Smith said the near 30% increase in hotspot patrols was already bearing fruit. “We are confident that the near 30% increase in hotspot patrols has prevented acts of criminality, protecting essential infrastructure in the process. But our staff monitor the entire pipeline, including keeping scrap dealers honest. Anyone found without proper registration or contravening any of the applicable legislation is closed upon inspection. It is a mammoth undertaking for staff who have to do inspections of these premises, proactively patrol known hotspots and respond to hundreds of public complaints.”
The scale of the challenge is reflected in the number of operators the unit must oversee. Cape Town has in excess of 600 scrap dealers and bucket shops, a figure that speaks to just how lucrative the trade in stolen metal and cable has become.
Justice comes around
Scrap metal dealers are generally formal businesses trading on a large scale in commercially zoned areas, while bucket shops are registered dealers that tend to operate from residential properties in suburbs.
Recent court outcomes have underlined the consequences of getting caught. A suspect arrested after being found in possession of eight bags of Transnet cable weighing 409 kilograms in Kraaifontein in 2023 was convicted on 3 April in the Blue Downs Magistrate’s Court for possession of stolen property in terms of the Criminal Matters Amendment Act 18 of 2015.
He was sentenced to 15 years in prison. Two further convictions are awaiting sentencing in the Goodwood Magistrate’s Court, one relating to the theft of a see-saw from a park in Ravensmead, and another for damage to and possession of essential infrastructure belonging to Prasa.
Smith urged residents to report suspicious activity, regardless of scale. “Public assistance is critical in clamping down on the illegal trade in metals, so if you see something, please report it, no matter how big or small. Justice does come around in some cases.”
The public can report suspected illegal scrap dealers or illicit activities via the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre on 021 480 7700. Anonymous tips can be submitted via 0800 110077
