Private security companies in Mbombela working together intercepted a suspected stolen red Mazda 3 and handed the driver over to the police after an alert from an automatic number plate recognition camera (ANPRC) system on October 12.

The incident occurred in Roodt Street, Mbombela, where the driver, who was alone in the vehicle, allegedly claimed to be an Uber driver.

Camera network triggers joint response

The interception followed an alert from an ANPRC system managed by Naspoti Security Solutions. The system identified a vehicle allegedly linked to an active theft investigation.

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Fidelity ADT Lowveld, Divergent Ops, ACS Spartan and Taysec Security responded to the alert and mobilised to locate the vehicle.

According to the security companies, effective communication and co-ordinated teamwork enabled them to intercept the vehicle within minutes of the alert.

Investigation handed over to SAPS

The driver and vehicle were subsequently handed over to the SAPS at the Nelspruit Police Station for further investigation.

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Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo said he was not aware of the incident but would check with the Nelspruit police.

He later reverted and noted that the station did not have records of such a case.

The circumstances surrounding the suspected theft and the driver’s possible involvement remain subject to police investigation.