Stolen copper valued at K2.3 billion (3,3 mio. kr.) has been recovered since the inception of the Anti-Copper Theft Squad (ACTS) writes Times of Zambia, Tuesday.
64 people have been arrested in connection with the thefts. About 22 cases are currently in court while 14 people has been convicted, Inspector General of Police, Ephraim Mateyo, said Monday in his presentation to the copper forum attended by Zambia, Namibia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in Kitwe.
Mr Mateyo said out of the total amount of stolen copper, police with the help of the ACTS, had managed to recover about half.
The formation of ACTS was prompted following complaints arising from rampant thefts of copper and that police felt it was their duty to protect the property.
It was difficult to control copper thefts in the past because there were too much connivance involving some miners, police officers and transporters.
Mr Mateyo also revealed that he had received information that a lot of thefts were now being carried out between Zimbabwe and South Africa where the criminals had run to after the formation of ACTS.
Mr Mateyo also proposed that police chiefs from Zambia, Namibia and DR Congo be incorporated in the copper forum to enable them to share ideas on how copper from the three countries could be protected while in transit. All the three countries welcomed the proposal.
A representative from Namibia, Veston Malango, commended the Zambian Government and the police services for taking the lead in the fight against copper theft, efforts he said would contribute to developing the national economy.
Meanwhile, police have intensified investigations into the stolen emeralds at Kagem Mine in Lufwanyama.
Copperbelt commanding officer, Antoneill Mthentwa, said in an interview Monday that investigations were still going on.
Bandits at the weekend broke into the strong room and stole 70 kilogrammes of emeralds worth over K200 million (280.000 kr.)
