Durban – Authorities and industry insiders are appealing to the public for information on the whereabouts of a truck driver identified as SQM Mthalane, who is suspected to be behind a brazen cargo theft at the Port of Durban in the early hours of Friday morning.
According to sources close to the investigation, Mthalane allegedly gained access to Maydon Wharf Berth 1 using a truck with cloned registration plates. Once inside, he is believed to have loaded five upright steel coils valued at approximately R700 000 from a ship docked at the port.
The theft only came to light later during a stock count when the cargo tally did not match the ship’s offloading records. By then, the suspect and the stolen coils had vanished without a trace.
It is alleged that the cargo was loaded onto a Tri-Axle trailer hauled by an Iveco truck, which has not been seen since the incident.
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A R50 000 reward has been offered for any information that leads to the arrest of Mthalane or the recovery of the stolen coils.
Anyone with information about the suspect’s whereabouts, the stolen cargo, or the vehicle is urged to come forward immediately inform the police or contact: 068 472 1822
Authorities are warning scrapyards, transporters, and buyers of industrial steel to be cautious and report any suspicious deals or sightings related to the coils.
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