R1.2M CHROME BUST  

Mogwase – A 29-year old man suspected of illegal mining activities was arrested in Witrantjie village on Thursday 2 July.

The man, who had previously been warned by the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) to stop conducting mining activities without a license, was caught in possession of chrome worth approximately R1.2 million when police descended on a farm in Witrantjie.

“A team comprising police and DMR officers went to the site where illegal chrome mining allegedly takes place. On their arrival at the site, the team found the suspect with a stockpile of chrome weighing 136 tonnes,” police spokesperson Katlego Mogale said.

The suspect appeared before the Mogwase Magistrates’ Court on Monday 6 July 2020 and was charged with contravening the National Environmental Management Act as well as the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act. Investigations continue.