Seven suspects, six Zimbabwean nationals and one South African, aged between 19 and 40 years were arrested on Tuesday in Sakhelwe Township in Dullstroom after they were caught red-handed loading the suspected Chrome bearing material.

Police received a tipoff from a community member about suspicious activities in a residential area.

The whistle blower became suspicious when he saw the seven suspects loading bags filled with stones in a white Mercedes Benz truck.

On police arrival at the scene, police identified the stones as Chrome bearing material.

A total of 150 bags fully loaded with Chrome bearing material were recovered and the suspects could not explain how and where they got the Chrome bearing material from.

All suspects were arrested, both the truck and the fully-loaded bags with Chrome bearing material were confiscated for further investigation.

The suspects were charged with possession of suspected stolen property and police can not rule out that a charge of illegal mining might be added pending investigation.

The suspects are expected to appear in Dullstroom Magistrate’s Court today (Wednesday).

The Department of Home Affairs will also be brought on board to investigate the legality of the six Zimbabwean nationals in the Republic.