Ferrochrome export scam exposed Leonard Neill AN INVESTIGATION has been launched into a multi-million rand ferrochrome export scam following the apprehension of seven trucks loaded with the metal off the highway near Richards Bay last week. Members of the Organised Crime Unit impounded 250 tons of the metal, valued at R1,7 million. It is understood that the consignment originated from both South African and Zimbabwe mines. Richards Bay police received the tip-off, which led to the interception of the vehicles, from colleagues in Gauteng. “It appears to be part of a major international scam which has been operating for some years,” says Superintendent Jabulani Zikhale, head of the Richards Bay OCU. “We are continuing with our investigations and we expect to arrest a number of high-ranking business people in the near future. This type of activity was first discovered by our Durban colleagues some time ago and we have been watching progress to get our hands on the source. They have been using false documentation for the illegal exports. “We have been working out their methods and have found numerous ‘ghost loads’ which were supposedly delivered to obtain illegal documents. What has now happened has been a major setback to the people behind the scheme.” Zikhale also stated that some members of his team had received death threats from undisclosed sources since the trucks were intercepted, but this has not deterred their investigation efforts, he said.
