Solwezi police arrests copper theft suspects, impounds four trucks

Solwezi police arrests copper theft suspects, impounds four trucks

Solwezi, May28, ZANIS ——– Police in Solwezi have impounded three Volvo trucks belonging to Jama Transport and Farm enterprises of Ndola which were carrying over 70 tons of copper ore believed to have been stolen.

North-Western province Police Commissioner Eugene Sibote said the Volvo trucks registration numbers ACG 8610-ACG 337T, which was being driven by Saidi Mohammed 56, and ACP 332-ACM 2541T driven by Abdulai Mohammed 25, both Somali nationals were intercepted over the weekend along Solwezi-Kipushi border road.

The other Volvo track registration number ACP 3903-AAH 15360T belonging to Farm Enterprises was being driven by Abibi Assan aged 49 also a Somali national was carrying copper ore which was concealed in scrap metal.

Mr Sibote also disclosed that the three transporters have been operating without legal documents and had in their possession an expired mineral export permit belonging to the Shama brothers and a forged clearance letter.

He said it is believed that the three Volvo trucks which were carrying the copper ore did not pass through the Kipushi boarder point and this prompted the police to impound them.

 Mr Sibote also said three other people that have been arrested in connection with the same offence are going to be jointly charged with being in possession of property believed to have been illegally obtained.

In a relate development police in Solwezi have arrested three people of Mufumbwe district for being in possession of copper ore believed to have been stolen from Kalengwa mine and have impounded a Truck registration number ALH 4161 that was used to carry the contraband.