Stolen truck bust in Mpumalanga uncovers 30-year-old vehicle theft
One of the vehicles recovered in Belfast that police linked to a car theft reported in Berea, Gauteng, more than 30 years ago.
Image: SAPS
TWO men from Malawi and Zimbabwe were arrested in Belfast, Mpumalanga, after police recovered a truck stolen in Gauteng, along with additional vehicles linked to theft — including one dating back more than three decades.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga, members of the Middelburg Flying Squad, Belfast police, and a vehicle tracking company carried out the arrests after receiving information about a stolen haulage truck bearing Mozambican registration plates.
Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane said the truck had been hijacked in Elsburg, Gauteng, and was traced to a property in Bhekimuzi Masango Drive in Belfast.
“Police followed up on the information and proceeded to the address, where the truck was found,” Ndubane said.
She added that two men were found at the premises working with mechanics. After identifying themselves and obtaining permission to search, officers were told by the suspects that the truck belonged to them through a business partnership.
“The vehicle was tested and returned a positive result as sought, and the owner also positively identified it,” Ndubane said. She noted that the truck had already been stripped of some parts.
Eight tyres and other stripped components were seized as exhibits. The two suspects were arrested for possession of suspected stolen property and for contravening the Immigration Act.
Further inspections at the same yard uncovered additional vehicles, including a blue vehicle with Mpumalanga registration plates. A VIN check revealed that the vehicle was wanted in connection with a theft reported in Berea, Gauteng, in 1993. The vehicle was booked for further investigation.
The suspects are facing charges of possession of suspected stolen property and possession of a stolen motor vehicle.