Stolen in 1993: Malawian and Zimbabwean men arrested as cops recover vehicles in Mpumalanga
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 and additional vehicles linked to theft, with one dating back more than three decades.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Mpumalanga, members of the Middelburg Flying Squad, a tracking company and Belfast police arrested the suspects for the possession of the haulage truck with Mozambican plates.
Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane said officers acted on information about a stolen truck bearing Mozambican registration plates, which had been robbed from its owner in Elsburg, Gauteng.
“The information was followed up and police proceeded to an address in Bhekimuzi Masango Drive in Belfast, where the truck was found,” Ndubane said.
She said two men were found at the property working with mechanics. After police introduced themselves and were granted permission to search, the suspects claimed the truck belonged to them as business associates.
“The vehicle was tested and came back positive as sought, and the owner also positively identified it,” Ndubane said, adding that the truck had already been stripped of some parts.
Eight tyres and other stripped parts were seized as exhibits, while the two suspects were arrested for possession of suspected stolen property and for contravening the Immigration Act.
Ndubane said further checks at the same yard revealed additional vehicles, including a blue vehicle with Mpumalanga registration plates, which was tested using its VIN number and found to be wanted in connection with a theft reported in Berea, Gauteng, in 1993. The vehicle was booked for further investigation.
The arrested men are facing charges of possession of suspected stolen property and a stolen motor vehicle.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
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