The KwaZulu-Natal co-operative governance and traditional affairs department (Cogta) commends the arrest of Prince Lungalomndeni Zulu and an associate in connection to a R26m minerals theft at Richards Bay Minerals (RBM). Zulu, a member of the royal family, was apprehended for his alleged involvement in a multimillion-rand mineral theft syndicate that plundered unprocessed material from RBM in northern KZN. The arrest was made on October 5 at the KwaZiphethe royal residence in KwaNongoma by Operation Vala Umgodi. Zulu and his co-accused, logistics businessman Richard Malinga, were granted R50,000 bail each and are set to appear in court again on November 4.
Cogta MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi praised law enforcement agencies and the NPA for addressing the syndicate and sending a strong message against crime in KwaZulu-Natal. Zulu’s alleged connection with the syndicate involved supplying stolen minerals to a warehouse in Isipingo, Durban, causing substantial economic harm to the province. This arrest demonstrates the commitment to combating criminal activities in the region, with police gaining the upper hand against such illicit operations.
Source: TimesLIVE