Durban Metro Police bust syndicate, seize raw materials worth R4 million

A police operation in Isipingo, south of Durban, uncovered a major theft syndicate involving raw materials worth approximately R4 million.

The KZN police spokesperson, Colonel Robert Netshiunda confirmed that police in Isipingo have arrested two suspects, aged 25 and 40, for being in possession of suspected stolen property.

“They will appear before the Durban Magistrate’s Court today, December 3. Reports indicate that on Monday, November 2, police received information about people in possession of cobalt hydroxide suspected to be stolen.

“The suspects failed to provide proper documents and they were duly arrested,” said Netshiunda.

According to a Durban Metro Police Service statement, its officers located a warehouse in Isipingo where stolen soda ash, packed in bags, was stored.

The material had been stolen from a company near Mega City in uMlazi. During the operation, officers caught two men unloading cobalt raw powder from a vehicle at the scene.

“The stolen materials had not been returned to the rightful owners due to logistical delays. These raw products, critical in manufacturing copper, washing powder, and lithium batteries, were believed to be on the verge of being exported to China,” said the statement.

Both suspects were charged under Section 36 of the Minerals Act.

IOL News