By Everson Luhanga
Police have pounced on a syndicate dealing in zircon and chloride minerals worth R15-million at a warehouse in Johannesburg.
National Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the minerals that are mined by Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) were diverted from Richards Bay harbour and stored at a warehouse where they were being repackaged to be sold to international buyers.
Brigadier Mathe said a SAPS task team has been deployed to the Richards Bay area to put a stop to the theft of minerals continues to dismantle the syndicate behind a spate of mineral looting.
“It is alleged that this syndicate would transport fake minerals to the harbour and divert the original minerals to JHB,” she said.
She said the team raided the warehouse and during a thorough search of the premises found the minerals worth millions.
Police have registered a case of theft.
This is the second giant recovery for the team. In March 2024, they found minerals at a Durban warehouse. The driver of the truck and the owner of the warehouse have since been arrested.
SAPSD National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola said the teram is also investigating the assassination of executives in the area.
“So far, 202 unlicensed firearms have been seized, 43 suspects have been arrested and 68 dockets are currently under investigation,” General Masemola said.
“Our intelligence remains on the ground to put a stop to these illegal activities in the mining sector.”
A search is underway for the owner of the warehouse.
Pictured above: Mineral warehouse.
Image source: SAPS
