The City of Cape Town’s Metal Theft Unit has intensified its efforts to stem the tide of public infrastructure theft and vandalism.
As a result, it has led to nearly 136 non-compliant scrap traders being shut down.
SCRAP HEAP OF CLOSURES, ARRESTS AND FINES
Cape Town is home to more than 600 scrap dealers and bucket shops. In the eyes of the City, this indicates how lucrative the scrap trade has become.
It also indicates the lengths that non-compliant scrap dealers will go in order to cash in on this trade.
Per a media statement, the Metal Theft Unit completed 5 979 patrols in hotspot areas, 1 257 scrapyard compliance inspections, responded to 423 public complaints and issued 3 095 fines for various by-law transgressions between July 2025 and April 2026.
During this same period, they made 88 arrests, recovered more than a kilometre of stolen cable and more than 800 kilograms of stolen metal.
Additionally, the unit shut down 42 scrap metal dealers and 94 bucket shops following inspection.
‘KEEPING SCRAP DEALERS HONEST’
The Metal Theft Unit’s efforts to tackle non-compliant scrap dealers have been boosted by the usage of CCTV surveillance cameras, drones and thermal imagery, especially in more rural landscapes.
Alderman JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, expounded on the process:
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.
CITY OF CAPE TOWN CALLS ON PUBLIC TO ASSIST
Infrastructure theft and ongoing vandalism are persistent issues in known hotspots. Without important infrastructure, such as manhole covers and copper cable, it can seriously hamper road safety and crime prevention.
Smith urges residents of Cape Town to report suspected illegal scrap dealers or illicit activities where possible:
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.
To report your suspicions, you can contact the City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre at 021 480 7700. Anonymous tips can be submitted via 0800 110 077.
