The police arrested nine suspects in connection with the theft of chrome in this area on August 28.
According to Colonel Donald Mdhluli, a provincial police spokesperson, two of the suspects were caught in the act by Fidelity Security.
“The first two were arrested at the railway line where they were offloading the chrome from the train.
“They were found in possession of 14 bags fully loaded with chrome.
“The other seven seemed to have been waiting for their accomplices in a Toyota Corolla that was possibly going to be used to transport the chrome,” said Mdhluli.
The suspects could not provide any permits for the possession of the materials and were arrested and charged with unlawful possession of precious metals.
The vehicle was also confiscated and is subject to further investigation.
“The police cannot rule out the possibility of adding more charges, including theft, as the investigation continues.”
The suspects first appeared in the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court on August 30 and were remanded in custody.
They are expected to appear again later this week, however, the date of the next appearance could not be confirmed by the time of going to press.
The acting provincial police commissioner, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, indicated that the police and other law enforcement agencies are geared up to clamp down on criminals who are involved and unlawfully benefitting from precious materials in the province.
