A suspected vehicle theft and dismantling operation was uncovered in Zonkezizwe on February 20 when the EMPD Zonkezizwe Precinct, along with Towing Unit Officers and the SAPS Benoni VCIU, recovered three reported hijacked vehicles.

Acting on intelligence about a property allegedly being used to store and dismantle stolen vehicles, officers raided a residence on Phaphani Street, Ext 8, Palm Ridge.

“No suspects were present at the scene, but the search revealed a white Isuzu pick-up in the backyard with false registration plates,” said EMPD in a statement.

A VIN check confirmed the vehicle had been reported stolen in Seshego.

Further inspection uncovered vehicle parts linked to two other hijacked vehicles: a white Nissan Impendulo, connected to a case in Springs, and a Hyundai Tucson, traced to Vosloorus.

All recovered vehicles and parts were secured at the Aeroton Pound, where authorities will continue investigations to trace suspects and potentially dismantle a larger criminal network.