Man sentenced to 10 years for R26 million mineral theft
Updated Aug. 9, 2026, 11:45 a.m. | By Newswatch The South African Police Service has welcomed a 10-year sentence handed to Sphamandla Mdletshe for stealing…
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Updated Aug. 9, 2026, 11:45 a.m. | By Newswatch
The South African Police Service has welcomed a 10-year sentence handed to Sphamandla Mdletshe for stealing zircon minerals worth an estimated R26 million. Police say Mdletshe was identified as the kingpin after an abandoned truck loaded with minerals was discovered in KwaMbonambi in northern KZN.
The South African Police Service has welcomed the 10-year jail sentence handed down to Sphamandla Mdletshe by the Richards Bay Regional Court
The 37 year old was found guilty of stealing minerals worth an estimated R26 million after entering into a plea agreement with the State.
The offence dates back to March 2024 where members of the Tactical Joint Operational Centre had discovered an abandoned truck loaded with zircon minerals in Kwambonambi northern kzn
11 other suspects were arrested and charged with offences including theft of minerals, money laundering and racketeering, with Mdletshe found to have been the King pin
Police spokesperson Vincent Mukhathi says Mdletshe was arrested in the North West Province after evading arrest for a nearly a year.
"He was subsequently charged with theft of mineral and made several appearances before the Richards Bay Regional Court after abandoning his bail."
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