INVESTIGATORS at the Pinetown Police Station cracked a scheme in which false cases of carjacking and theft of a motor vehicle were opened, while the alleged aim was to sell off the taxis which had been reported as stolen.

This has resulted in the arrest of two suspects on two counts of theft of a motor vehicle, and defeating the ends of justice.

The investigator, Constable Siphiwo Leonard Cele, said a third suspect is wanted by the police.

On June 28, a taxi driver reported to the police that the vehicle he operates had been hijacked.

The following day, another individual reported that a taxi had been stolen. This individual, the police learned, was the manager of both taxis.

Investigators used vehicle tracker records when looking into the carjacking case.

“Tracker records did not correspond with what the driver was saying,” said Cele.

The taxi driver, who had reported the carjacking, was then interviewed by the police who had noted that on his statement he had claimed that his cellphone had been taken by the carjackers.

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 “But when we spoke to him, he started breaking down, and then he gave us the whole truth,” said Cele.

The truth was that the carjacking incident had been fabricated and that the taxi driver’s cellphone was at his home. Investigators late recovered the mobile device. 

“Because of that a case of theft of motor vehicle was registered,” said Cele.

Investigators found that the taxi driver and two others, one of them providing transportation for the return, drove the said vehicle to Weenen where it was allegedly sold.

Later that day, the taxi driver reported the false carjacking to the police.

Investigations further revealed that on June 29 a part-time taxi driver, allegedly acting as part of the scheme, had taken the second taxi at a petrol station in Pinetown, and  again, the three drove off to Weenen. However, this time, the taxi was involved in an accident, forcing the suspects to abandon it. It was later found by the police on the side of the road.  

The two suspects, Bhekani Hlambisa and Solwazi Mfundo Maphanga, appeared at the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court.

The communications officer at the Pinetown SAPS, Jennifer Naidu, said: “Constable Siphiwo Leonard Cele displayed exceptional investigative skills, determination and professionalism throughout the investigation. His ability to identify inconsistencies, analyse vehicle tracking data, conduct effective interviews and follow the evidence, ultimately exposed an alleged scheme involving false reports of serious crimes. His dedication not only led to the arrest of suspects and the recovery of a vehicle but also safeguarded the integrity of the criminal justice system by ensuring that false cases were uncovered. His work reflects the high standard of investigative excellence expected of the South African Police Service. This investigation also serves as a clear reminder that opening false criminal cases and attempting to mislead the police are serious criminal offences. Those who abuse the criminal justice system can expect to be investigated thoroughly and held accountable in accordance with the law.”

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