THE KwaMbonambi SAPS cuffed eight Sokhulu community members after discovering numerous items reported stolen from Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) sites.
Upon further investigation, two security guards were also apprehended for allegedly organising the spate of thefts at the mine.
‘Two of the arrested suspects are G4S security guards and are said to be the masterminds,’ said KwaMsane SAPS spokesperson, Captain Jabulani Mdletshe.
‘Police managed to seize stolen goods, including microwaves, spanners, boots, a coat and a tool box.’
The accused, aged between 18 and 32, appeared in the Ngwelezane Magistrate’s Court on charges of possession of suspected stolen goods.
Nkululeko Mthiyane, Sicelo Sigwaza, Xolani Mathenjwa, Phiwe Gumede, Khumbulani Mthiyane, Sizwe Ngcobo, Phasika Mathenjwa, Sam Gumede, Bongani Khumalo and Muzi Ndawonde will return to court on 9 June.
They are all in police custody.
Only a month ago, National Police Minister Nathi Nhleko visited RBM to tackle the scourge of theft at the mine.
He promised to discuss the issue with the Minister of Economic Development and Minister of Justice and committed himself to returning to the region later this year for a three-day outreach programme with the mine’s four host communities – Mbonambi, Mkhwanazi, Sokhulu and Dube.
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