Ogies police take illegal mining activities head-on

Theft of chrome has been a thorn in the flesh at the Ogies policing precinct for quite some time. 

The police have dug in their heels and arrested four suspects in separate incidents.

Amongst the arrested suspects, two were charged with possession of suspected stolen properties after being reportedly found with chrome stones, and the chrome, as well as the vehicle used as a transport, were confiscated for further investigation.

One of the suspects was arrested for general theft after being found by security guards, allegedly loading the chrome stones into the bakkie. The chrome stones and the bakkie were also seized as part of the investigation.

“There was also another suspect caught by members assigned to Operation Vala Umgodi. The members found him operating an excavator, busy digging the shaft which convinced the law enforcers that the man was somehow involved in illegal mining activities hence he was apprehended,” said Colonel Donald Mdhluli provincial police spokesperson.

In another incident involving the theft of chrome stones in Ogies , the local police received a call on March 25 regarding a group of a mob who had gone rampage and offloaded chrome stones from a train.

“Members responded accordingly and upon arrival, people were busy looting however, upon noticing law enforcement officers, they fled the scene to evade the arrest, thereby leaving behind about 111 bags filled with chrome stones which were confiscated by the police for further investigation,” Mdhluli said.

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