65 year old scrap dealer arrested in Maitland

By Khanyisa Tabata
04 February 2010

A 65 year old scrap dealer has been arrested for purchasing stolen goods in Maitland.

This follows an investigation by South African Police Services into the man’s arrests.

Head of the Copperheads Neil Arendse says the stolen goods in question are pieces of the Maria de la Quellerie plaque, which was located on the Heerengracht central island at the Hans Strijdom intersection.

“The plaque was erected 60 years ago and the replacement value is R60 000. The dealer paid only R135 for the plaque, which various other dealers had declined to buy, suspecting that it was stolen.

“Removal of the plaque also violates the National Heritage Resources Act 25 of 1999 and information on the suspect who sold it to the dealer is being followed up”, said Neil Arendse

Arendse added that scrap dealers are warned that the Copperheads will come down hard on all those who create a market for stolen items.