SUSPECTS ARRESTED FOR ILLEGAL COPPER OPERATIONS
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The Randfontein Regional court granted two accused aged 50 and 60 charged with contravention of the Second Hand Goods Act and contravention of the National Environmental Act R5 000 bail each on Wednesday, 02 March 2022.
The additional accused and owners of P&P Commodities, Pierre Coetzer aged 60 and Pieter Venter, 50 handed themselves in at the Hawk’s office in Krugersdorp yesterday where they were subsequently charged.
Authorities conducted an operation in November last year which emanated from information received on allegations that a copper manufacturing company, P&P Commodities in Randfontein was operating and melting copper without any of the second-hand goods permit, foundry/refinery license, combustion license or any other environmental permit or licenses.
Furthermore, the Hawk’s Serious Organised Crime Investigation in Krugersdorp received intelligence that P&P Commodities was back in business and has been in operation for about two weeks.
The investigation team confiscated 42 copper blisters worth approximately R4.6 million for further investigation and Mescht was immediately arrested and released on a R5000 bail, therefore Coetzer and Venter are expected back in court on 16 March 2022 where they will be joined by co-accused.
