Eastern Cape police have urged scrap metal dealers to stop paying cash for non-ferrous goods including copper.
Spokesperson Captain Nkosikho Mzuku says damages caused by the theft of copper pipes are very costly and unbearable to members of communities affected by these crimes.
He says currently sellers are to produce only an ID document and often produce false or non-existing addresses as no proof of residency is required.
The cash sale is done immediately and the current system is not assisting police in their fight against crime.
Mzuku says scrap metal dealers can purchase these good and pay clients through a banking system which will definitely help with their investigations.
Two suspects aged 20 and 24 have been arrested for theft and are due to appear in the Mdantsane Magistrate's Court soon.
Another two were arrested in July and have already appeared in court.
