Eleven suspects have been arrested by Mpumalanga police after stolen chrome worth R5 million was recovered in Witbank.
Police Spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala says a multi-disciplinary task team, as well as officials from Transnet, took part in a sting operation on Thursday where they discovered self-storage offices packed with mining chrome.
He says it is alleged that the suspects were stealing chrome before smuggling it via trains between Ferro Metals in Witbank and Richards Bay.
Brigadier Mohlala says of the 11 suspects, only one person had a South African ID, and she is believed to be the kingpin in the operation.
He says eight other suspects are from Zimbabwe and two from Mozambique.
The suspects are facing charges which include the illegal possession of mining chrome whilst the 10 foreign nationals were also charged for contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa.
The investigation continues and more arrests are expected
