KWAZULU-NATAL – The South African Police Service (SAPS) National Organised Task Team has arrested a 44-year-old man believed to be a key figure in a criminal syndicate allegedly involved in the theft and illicit trade of minerals worth approximately R26 million in and around Richards Bay.
Sakhile Cyril Mbuyazi was arrested on 18 August after the task team secured a warrant for his arrest. He is alleged to have acted as a coordinator in the theft and illicit trade of the minerals and is accused of paying individuals involved in the criminal operation.
His arrest brings the number of suspects arrested and charged in connection with the investigation to 12.
Mbuyazi appeared before the Empangeni Magistrate’s Court on 19 August, where he faced a charge of theft of minerals. The case was postponed to 28 August for a formal bail application.
The latest arrest follows the sentencing of 37-year-old Sphamandla Mdletshe, who was sentenced to 10 years’ direct imprisonment by the Richards Bay Regional Court on 5 August after being convicted of theft of minerals valued at R26 million.
Mdletshe was convicted following a plea and sentence agreement with the State. He remained in custody until his conviction and sentencing.
The Richards Bay Investigation Team, which is probing the alleged criminal syndicate behind the theft and illicit trade of minerals, has so far arrested 11 suspects and charged them with various offences, including theft of minerals, money laundering and racketeering.
The remaining accused are expected to appear before the Richards Bay Regional Court on 27 August for a pre-trial conference.
Acting National Commissioner of SAPS Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane commended the National Organised Task Team for securing the warrant and apprehending the latest suspect.
“The arrest of this suspect is an important development in advancing the investigation into the theft and illicit trade of minerals in and around Richards Bay,” Dimpane said.
“We remain committed to dismantling criminal syndicates involved in organised crime and ensuring that those who participate in the illegal exploitation and trade of our mineral resources are identified, arrested and brought before the courts.
“We will continue to intensify our efforts to disrupt organised criminal networks and recover assets linked to criminal activities.”
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