Police Arrest Two Foreign Nationals for Possession of Illicit Chrome

Two foreign nationals arrested with chrome in Pelangwe.

by Mathipa Phishego

Police in Limpopo have arrested two foreign nationals after intercepting trucks transporting illicit chrome in the Sekhukhune District.

According to police, the Sekhukhune District Tracking Team acted on intelligence on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, regarding two trucks suspected of illegally transporting chrome.

The team moved swiftly and intercepted the vehicles at Pelangwe Village, where two white trucks matching the provided description were stopped.

Both drivers, foreign national men aged 37 and 38, were questioned about the cargo they were transporting. During the police interview, the suspects allegedly admitted that they were moving chrome without the required permits and documentation.

A subsequent search of the trucks revealed that both vehicles were fully loaded with chrome, with an estimated value of R250,000. The suspects were immediately arrested and taken to Apel SAPS for further investigation and processing.

Police confirmed that the illicit chrome was confiscated as part of the operation. The two men are expected to appear before the Sekhukhune Magistrate’s Court on Friday, December 19, 2025. They will face charges related to the possession and transportation of illegal chrome.

Police have reiterated their commitment to combating illegal mining and the illicit trade of minerals in the province.