A search is underway for the owner of a Johannesburg warehouse where Zircon and Chloride minerals worth R15 million were found.

The minerals, mined from Richards Bay Minerals (RBM), were diverted from the Richards Bay Harbour and stored at a warehouse to be repackaged for sale to international buyers.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the South African Police Service (SAPS) task team deployed in the Richards Bay area to combat the theft of minerals made the discovery on 24 April.

“It’s alleged that this syndicate would transport fake minerals to the harbour and divert the original minerals to Johannesburg,” she said.

Police have registered a case of theft.

“This is the second recovery of minerals worth millions for the team. In March 2024, the team also found minerals at a Durban warehouse. The driver of the truck and the owner of the warehouse have since been arrested,” said Mathe.

National SAPS Commissioner General Fannie Masemola said:  “The team is also investigating the assassination of executives in the area. So far, 202 unlicensed firearms have been seized, 43 suspects have been arrested and 68 dockets are currently under investigation. Our intelligence remains on the ground to put a stop to these illegal activities in the mining sector.”