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Police have uncovered a syndicate which substitutes actual minerals mined in Richards Bay with fakes, spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said in a statement on Saturday.
This came after tracing zircon and chloride worth R15 million to a warehouse in Johannesburg.
"The minerals that are mined from Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) were diverted from the Richards Bay Harbour and stored at a warehouse where they were being repackaged to be sold to international buyers," Mathe said.
"It’s alleged that this syndicate would transport fake minerals to the harbour and divert the original minerals to Johannesburg."
On Wednesday police raided the warehouse and found the minerals.
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A search is underway for the owner of the warehouse.
In March 2024, the police also found minerals at a Durban warehouse. The driver of the truck and the owner of the warehouse have since been arrested.
This operation forms part of an investigation into crime and assassinations in the mining sector.
Police commissioner General Fannie Masemola said 202 illegal firearms had been confiscated, 43 peope arrested, and 68 dockets opened for investigation.
RMB told News24 that it welcomed the police's continued efforts to recover stolen minerals.
"We are pleased with the progress made by the NTT in investigating product theft and addressing criminal activity. Their focused efforts have been instrumental in recovering RBM stolen product. This milestone reinforces the NTT’s commitment to combating crime."
