Metal Theft Unit closes 136 non-compliant scrap traders
Cape Town has in excess of 600 scrap dealers and bucket shops – indicative of how lucrative the trade is. It is a mammoth undertaking for staff who have to inspect these premises on an ongoing basis AND act against incidents of cable and metal theft.
In the 10 months between July 2025 and April 2026, the Metal Theft Unit made 88 arrests, recovered more than a kilometre of stolen cable and more than 800 kilograms of stolen metal.
Staff completed 5 979 patrols in hotspot areas, 1 257 scrapyard compliance inspections, responded to 423 complaints from the public and issued 3 095 fines for various by-law transgressions.
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.
‘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,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
Scrap metal dealers are generally formal businesses, trading on a large scale in an area zoned for business. Bucket shops are registered dealers that tend to trade in suburbs from residential properties.
Since July 2025, the Metal Theft Unit has closed 42 scrap metal dealers and 94 bucket shops upon inspection. Reasons for closure include continued non-compliance with applicable legislation, where they are found guilty of an offence, or for failing to register as a second-hand goods dealer or metal recycler.
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.
‘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. In one of the most recent cases before court, there was a theft conviction for stealing a see saw from a park in Ravensmead. So, justice does come around in some cases,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
The person convicted of stealing the park furniture will be sentenced in the Goodwood Magistrate’s Court. Another conviction awaiting sentencing in the same court relates to damage to, and/or possession of essential infrastructure (Prasa property).
In the Blue Down’s Magistrate’s Court, a suspect was convicted on 3 April for the possession of stolen property, and in terms of the Criminal Matters Amendment Act 18/2015.
This was after he was found in possession of eight bags of Transnet cable weighing 409,15 kg in Kraaifontein in 2023.
He was sentenced to 15 years in prison.
