Mine explosives stolen

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

It is understood the theft took place the night before, or on the morning of, June 6.

KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Thulani Zwane confirmed that a case of theft had been opened at the Nongoma police station, and that detectives were investigating.

He could not confirm the kind of explosives stolen. However, according to a well-placed source, nine boxes of 25kg gel explosives were taken.

The source said the type of explosive could be used to commit crimes, including cash heists and ATM bombings. ZAC was previously owned by Rio Tinto and was sold to Menar Holding in 2016 for an undisclosed amount. 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 ZAC’s general manager yesterday.

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

Bayoglu said this was the first time explosives had been stolen since the mine was purchased.