KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa –* A KwaZulu-Natal truck driver has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for selling a load of chrome worth R250,000 for a mere R15,000.
The sentencing, which took place at a KwaZulu-Natal court, follows a series of investigations revealing that the driver had intentionally diverted and sold the valuable mineral, betraying the trust of his employer and the transport industry.
The 35-year-old driver, whose name has not been disclosed due to ongoing related investigations, was entrusted with the high-value load to deliver to a client in the province. Instead, he reportedly coordinated with unknown buyers to sell the chrome on the black market at a heavily discounted price. Authorities were alerted after the company noticed discrepancies in the delivery records and could not account for the truck’s whereabouts during its assigned delivery schedule.
The missing load prompted an internal investigation, eventually leading to law enforcement’s involvement. The driver was apprehended shortly after and admitted to selling the chrome.The theft highlights the ongoing issue of mineral theft and resale in South Africa, where truck drivers and others in the logistics industry are occasionally targeted by organized crime groups.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Brigadier Themba Mthembu stated, “This sentencing sends a clear message to those involved in such crimes that law enforcement agencies will act decisively.”The transport company praised the court’s decision, emphasizing that incidents like these not only result in severe financial losses but also erode trust in the industry. “We rely on our employees to conduct business with integrity. It’s unfortunate to see someone entrusted with this responsibility abuse it for personal gain,” a company representative remarked.
The truck driver’s sentence serves as a reminder of the high price that can come with crime and dishonesty within South Africa’s mining and logistics sectors. As the court closed the case, presiding Judge Ntombi Ndlovu stated that the punishment was appropriate given the economic impact and the need to maintain ethical standards in a sector vital to the South African economy.