Three vehicles worth almost R2m recovered at Lebombo Port of Entry
The three vehicles were recovered at the border to Mozambique in three separate incidents on Friday and Saturday January 27 and 28.
Three vehicles to the value of almost R2m were recovered at the Lebombo Port of Entry by the Mpumalanga SAPS in three separate incidents over the weekend.
A 49-year-old Tanzanian national was arrested for possession of a suspected stolen vehicle in the first incident on Friday January 27.
According to a provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, a Ford Ranger valued at about R800 000 was intercepted on Friday at about 14:00, at the vehicle control checkpoint. Mohlala said the suspect, who alleged he stays in Mozambique, was stopped while en route to Mozambique from South Africa. He said during the preliminary investigation, it was discovered that the vehicle is owned by a bank and was purchased less than a month ago. The probe further revealed that not a single instalment was paid for the vehicle.
“The driver possessed documents indicating that he is the lawful owner of the vehicle and claimed that he had bought the vehicle from someone in Gauteng,” said Mohlala. The driver was arrested and further investigation of his documents, believed to have been acquired fraudulently, will be conducted.
“The man, identified as Mohamed Rutenga, appeared in the Komatipoort Magistrate’s Court today, January 30, where he was granted bail of R1 000. The case was postponed to March 3 for trial.”
In a separate incident, on January 27 at about 21:30, a Toyota GD6 double-cab valued at about R750 000 was also intercepted while on its way from South Africa to Mozambique. Both the engine and vehicle identification numbers are believed to have been tampered with.
“The vehicle was confiscated and an enquiry has been opened with regard to the ownership. The investigation continues,” said Mohlala.
On Saturday at about 13:00, an Isuzu tow truck believed to have been tampered with was intercepted on its way to Mozambique.
“The driver somehow evaded arrest, but the vehicle was confiscated for investigation purposes. No one has been arrested in this instance, however, the police are in pursuit of the suspect.
“The total estimated value of the confiscated vehicles over the weekend is about R1 800 000,” Mohlala said.
