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Gibson Mhaka
IN a million-dollar copper cable bust, police in Botswana arrested two Zimbabwean men on Thursday last week during a raid on an unlicensed scrap yard in Mogoditshane Block 9, Gaborone where the two men were found in possession of copper cables with an estimated value of more than P1 million.
According to reports from Botswana’s local newspapers Mmegi, the two men and the other at large who is also a Zimbabwean, were allegedly operating unlicensed scrap yards in both Mogoditshane Block 9 and Ledumadumane.
“The duo, aged 27 and 35, were found in possession of a large quantity of copper cables which they could not account for,” Mogoditshane Police Station’s assistant commander, Assistant Superintendent Mompoloki Ramaphoi, was quoted by the newspaper as saying.
“We are also looking for a third suspect residing in Ledumadumane, Mogoditshane. He fled the scene, but we found two vehicles loaded with copper cables at his residence. These vehicles have been confiscated as evidence.”
He added: “The trio was found in possession of large quantities of copper cables estimated to be worth more than P1 million and we suspect that they might be buying it from criminals and reselling it to licensed scrap yards”.
Authorities suspect the copper cables mostly belong to Botswana Telecommunications Corporation. Chances are also high that some of the material could have been stolen from Zimbabwe, where copper theft cases are high.
Online Reporter