Two suspects appeared in the Sabie Magistrate’s Court on July 30 after being caught in possession of a suspected stolen Corsa bakkie linked to a Mbombela house burglary.

Phumlani Ronald Nkosi and Prince Nkosi appeared in court, and the matter was postponed to August 11 for a bail application.

Intelligence operators track stolen vehicle

According to Ghost from Divergent Ops, a house burglary was reported on Aragoniet Street on July 27. Witnesses allegedly saw a white Corsa bakkie without number plates fleeing the scene.

“Our intelligence operators were activated. I analysed our networks, positively matched the vehicle, and this time it had registration plates. The Corsa was flagged and monitored,” he said.

Ghost said the vehicle was detected in the early hours of July 28 travelling from White River towards Sabie. Members of Divergent Ops mobilised from Mbombela and joined forces with Blackwater Defense RSA in White River to pursue the suspects along the R537.

“The bakkie had a head start, but our Sabie team, together with Sabie police, carried out a strategic interception, bringing the chase to an end,” he said.

Police recover housebreaking tools

According to Ghost, officers recovered burglary implements and a knife from inside the vehicle.

He added that the Corsa bakkie had been reported stolen from Impala Street in Mbombela in May. The vehicle, suspects and recovered items were handed over to the Sabie police for further investigation, with Nelspruit SAPS expected to determine whether the suspects can be linked to other recent cases.

Mpumalanga police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane confirmed that two suspects were arrested and charged with possession of a suspected stolen vehicle.

The investigation is ongoing.