200kg of explosives used in cash heists stolen

MORE than 200kg of gel explosives, thought to be similar to those used in cash-in-transit heists, have been stolen from the Zululand Anthracite Colliery in KwaZulu-Natal.

The theft took place during the night or morning of June 6.

KwaZulu- Natal police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Thulani Zwane said a case of theft had been opened at Nongoma police station. He could not confirm the kind of explosives stolen.

“No arrests have been made,” said Zwane.

However, according to a wellplaced source, nine boxes of 25kg gel explosives were taken. The source said the type of explosive was used in “blowing up ATMs, drop safes and cashin-transit armoured vehicles”.

Zululand Anthracite Colliery was previously owned by Rio Tinto and sold to Menar Holding in 2016. It is based 45km north-east of Ulundi and claims to be the “sole producer of prime anthracite in South Africa”.

The head of Menar Holding, Vuslat Bayoglu, said he had been in contact with Zululand Anthracite Colliery’s general manager.

“We have discussed this with the authorities. We were told we should not talk about this because it is sensitive and it could affect the case,” he said.

He said this was the first time explosives had been stolen since the mine was purchased from Rio Tinto.

“I don’t know if it happened previously, but during our time, (this is) the first time. A theft case has been opened. Obviously it’s a criminal matter.”

Bayoglu said he had also been told that nine boxes of explosives were stolen but could not confirm that they were gel.

Security had been increased at the mine, he said, and “the security guard who was (on duty) who claimed that he did not see what happened has been suspended”, he said.

SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Vish Naidoo said in incidents where explosives were used, they were “more often than not commercial explosives”.

“Whether this falls in this category or not, I can’t tell you that now,” he said.