SA’s Copper Theft Crisis Costs the Economy R47 Billion Annually - FF Plus Leader Pieter Groenewald

The illicit trade in copper has unleashed a staggering burden on South Africa’s economy. With global demand for copper reaching new heights, the prospect of criminal gangs relinquishing their activities seems increasingly unlikely. Despite a previous six-month moratorium on copper exports imposed by the government, no new regulations have emerged since its expiration. The Leader of the Freedom Front Plus, who sits on the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Police, highlights corruption and alarmingly low conviction rates as the primary stumbling blocks impeding South Africa’s resolve to combat the rampant copper theft problem. Groenewald says the disheartening truth is that criminals in South Africa currently enjoy an 80% chance of evading punishment for their crimes. Groenewald also reflects on the recent passing of Tina Joemat-Petersson, the chairperson of the police portfolio committee who was being investigated for extortion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices