Tip-off leads police to suspected smugglers and stolen vehicles

HECTORSPRUIT – Local police officers were notified on Monday that a Ford Ranger, Isuzu bakkie and Toyota and Isuzu trucks, stolen in Gauteng, were headed towards Mozambique.

The suspects driving the vehicles were reportedly camping at a lodge, waiting for the signal from their accomplices to proceed.

Police reacted to the information and managed to apprehend one suspect. The others scaled the wall and fled on foot.

All four vehicles were recovered.

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The 30-year-old suspect is scheduled to appear in the Komatipoort Magistrate’s Court on charges of possession of stolen motor vehicles. He will then be transferred to the relevant courts in Gauteng to stand trial for the theft of the motor vehicles.

Police in Nkomazi regularly recover vehicles as this area is a hotspot for smugglers trying to get stolen vehicles from Gauteng to Mozambique.

The South African National Defence Force, police and their network of informants as well as community members work closely together to ensure that many of these vehicles do not make it to the border.

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Police have stated that smugglers and car thieves often park them in community members’ yards or use local hideouts until the all-clear is given.

Community members are urged not to allow anyone to park a strange vehicle on their property and to report this or any other suspicious activity to the police immediately.

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