Man gets 10 years for R26m RBM mineral theft

The multi-million-rand mineral haul, including zircon and chlorine, belonged to conglomerate Richards Bay Minerals.

6 minutes ago

Gugu Myeni 1 minute read

Richards Bay Minerals operations in KwaMbonambi

A 37-year-old man has been sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for the theft of minerals worth an estimated R26-million belonging to Richards Bay Minerals (RBM).

Sphamandla Mdletshe entered into a plea agreement with the State and was subsequently sentenced by the Richards Bay Regional Court.

His conviction follows an extensive investigation by the Richards Bay investigation team after members of the Tactical Joint Operational Centre (TACJOC) discovered an abandoned truck loaded with zircon minerals in the Kwambonambi area on 18 March 2024.

Intelligence-driven operation

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 the North West Province 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.

Significant milestone

Acting National Commissioner of the SAPS, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane has welcomed Mdletshe’s sentencing, describing it as a significant milestone in the fight against organised crime and the theft of the country’s strategic mineral resources.

“This sentence sends a strong message that those involved in the theft of our country’s mineral resources and other forms of organised crime will be pursued relentlessly and brought to justice.

“We trust that it will serve as a deterrent to criminal syndicates that seek to undermine South Africa’s economy for personal gain,” said Lieutenant General Dimpane.

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 27 August for a pre-trial conference.

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