Sphamandla Mdletshe (37) will serve 10 years behind bars after entering into a plea agreement in the Richards Bay Regional Court for stealing R26m worth of minerals from Richards Bay Minerals. 

His conviction follows an investigation by the Richards Bay investigation team after members of the Tactical Joint Operational Centre discovered an abandoned truck loaded with zircon minerals in Kwambonambi on March 18, 2024, reports Zululand Observer.

Police uncover hidden minerals in Durban

A subsequent intelligence-driven operation at 46 Rana Road in Isipingo, Durban, led to the discovery of 500 bags of zircon, chlorine and other minerals. 

Mdletshe was arrested in North West in August last year after evading arrest for nearly a year. 

He was charged with theft of minerals and made several appearances before the Richards Bay Regional Court after abandoning his bail application. 

He remained in custody until his conviction and his direct imprisonment sentence. 

SAPS welcomes sentence as milestone

SAPS Acting National Commissioner Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane welcomed Mdletshe’s sentencing, describing it as a significant milestone in fighting organised crime and mineral theft. 

In total, 11 suspects were arrested and charged with offences including theft of minerals, money laundering and racketeering. 

The case against the remaining accused has been postponed to August 27 for a pre-trial conference.

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