Police seize 'stolen' copper cathodes from Chinese firm

Police seize 'stolen' copper cathodes from Chinese firm
By Mwala Kalaluka
Friday November 02, 2007 [03:00]

POLICE have seized from a Chinese mining firm in Ndola a substantial quantity of copper cathodes and cables suspected to have been stolen. Inspector General of Police Ephraim Mateyo said yesterday that the contraband was discovered after a tip-off from members of the public.

“The quantity is not yet clear but what I know is that it is quite substantial,” Mateyo said. He said experts would be called in to ascertain the value of the copper cathodes and cables.

“I want to warn these people that are stealing copper to keep away from these vices because the long arm of the law will not rest; it will reach them,” he said. “My warning is not only to the Chinese; that would be wrong, but to all people that are dealing in copper substances that the police will not rest.”

Asked further about the people connected to the theft, Mateyo responded, “Who they are and where they come from I don’t know; all I know is that they are Chinese.”
Mateyo commended the Anti-Copper Theft Squad “for a job well done”.
And Mateyo said Solwezi police arrested two foreign nationals who were found with two trucks loaded with stolen copper.

He said the copper was believed to have been stolen from Kansanshi Copper Mine.