KZN truck driver gets 10 years behind bars for stealing zircon
The stolen mineral was traced to a warehouse in Isipingo in the south of Durban.
In March 2024, truck driver Siphamandla Mdletshe was convicted of stealing 60 tons of zircon, valued at R1.6 million, from Richards Bay Minerals. Mdletshe, who worked as a contractor for the company, was approached by a colleague to dispose of the zircon in a remote forest near KwaMbonambi. He admitted to dumping five loads during his court appearance.
The stolen mineral was later discovered in an Isipingo warehouse, where a total of 500 tons, valued at R26.5 million, were recovered. KwaZulu-Natal National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Natasha Ramkisson-Kara announced that the NPA secured a 10-year prison sentence for Mdletshe, who pleaded guilty to the March 2024 offense.
Additionally, Mdletshe was barred from possessing firearms. The NPA emphasized the significant economic impact of such thefts on South Africa's mining sector. Meanwhile, the case against Mdletshe's 10 co-accused has been adjourned until October 27th.
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