Seven suspects, aged between 19 and 40 years were arrested in Sakhelwe Township in Dullstroom after they were caught red-handed loading the suspected Chrome bearing material this morning Tuesday 18 April 2023 at about 07:40.

Police received a #TipOff from a community member who alerted police about illicit activities in a residential area. The whistle-blower became suspicious when he saw the seven suspects loading bags filled with stones in a white Mercedes Benz truck.

On police arrival at the scene, police identified the stones as Chrome bearing material. A total of 150 bags fully loaded with Chrome-bearing material were recovered and the suspects could not explain how and where they got the Chrome-bearing material from.

All suspects were arrested, and both the truck and the fully filled bags with Chrome-bearing material were confiscated for further investigation.

The suspects were charged with possession of suspected stolen property and police cannot rule out that a charge of illegal mining might be added pending investigation.