9 alleged chrome thieves arrested in Mpumalanga
While two suspects were arrested at a railway line after allegedly offloading 14 bags of chrome from a train, seven others were nabbed in what is presumed to be the getaway vehicle.
Nine suspects arrested in connection with the theft of chrome in Davel, Mpumalanga, on Wednesday, are due to again appear in court this week.
The suspects first appeared in the Ermelo Magistrate’s Court on Friday and were remanded in custody.
According to provincial police spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdhluli, 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 [suspects] seemed to have been waiting for their accomplices in a Toyota Corolla that was possibly going to be used to transport the chrome,” says 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,” says Mdhluli.
The date of this week’s court appearance could not be confirmed by the time of publishing.
Acting provincial police commissioner Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi says 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.
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