semi-precious mineral
Bags of zircon recovered in shipping containers in Gauteng. Photo: SAPS

Home » Gauteng: Semi-precious mineral recovered in shipping containers

Gauteng: Semi-precious mineral recovered in shipping containers

No arrests have been made yet following the recovery of Zircon, a semi-precious mineral in shipping containers in Gauteng earlier today, Wednesday, 12 July. POLICE CONFIRM THE RECOVERY OF SEMI-PRECIOUS MINERAL Police spokesperson Captain Amanda Van Wyk confirmed that police in Ekurhuleni District in collaboration with private security services recovered Zircon found in shipping containers to the estimate […]

13-07-23 09:55
semi-precious mineral
Bags of zircon recovered in shipping containers in Gauteng. Photo: SAPS

No arrests have been made yet following the recovery of Zircon, a semi-precious mineral in shipping containers in Gauteng earlier today, Wednesday, 12 July.

POLICE CONFIRM THE RECOVERY OF SEMI-PRECIOUS MINERAL

Police spokesperson Captain Amanda Van Wyk confirmed that police in Ekurhuleni District in collaboration with private security services recovered Zircon found in shipping containers to the estimate value of R300 000 in Alberton.

Zircon found in shipping containers to the estimate value of R300 000 in Alberton. Photo: SAPS

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ZIRCON QUANTITY IN THE SHIPPING CONTAINERS

According to a preliminary report a team comprising of members from Ekurhuleni Serious and Violent Crimes, local police stations and security officials operationalised information they obtained on a cargo containing over 100 bags of Zircon (a semi-precious mineral) which was making its way to Gauteng from Richards Bay.
Information led the team to an address in Alberton and a search of the premises led to the recovery of shipping containers with bags of Zircon, said Captain Van Wyk.

“Further investigation is still underway.” – Captain Van Wyk

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SUSPECTS NABBED FOR UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF FIREARMS

Meanwhile, police arrested two suspects aged 18 and 41 for unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition.

On 7 July 2023, police received a tip-off and then shadowed the motor vehicle with occupants that was suspected to be transporting firearms, ammunition and firearm accessories at Mkhuze area.  A white vehicle with no registration plates and had two occupants was intercepted and searched by the police. During the search the police recovered a hunting rifle, silencer, ammunition, handsaw and cellular phones.

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Both suspects were charged for unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition. Sibusiso Thulasizwe Khoza (18) and Mandlenkosi Gumede (41) appeared before the Ubombo Magistrate’s Court on 10 July. The suspects were remanded in custody for further investigation and they will appear in Ubombo Magistrate’s Court tomorrow, 13 July.

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