Ricardo Rail Carlos ( 37 ), a Mozambican national, was found guilty and sentenced by the Middelburg Regional Court on Wednesday , after his arrest on 1 March 2022, by the Nelspruit based Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team for the possession of a suspected stolen vehicle, and contravening the provision of Immigration Act, Act 13 of 2002.

Retired Investigating Officer, Lt Colonel Msiza, received Information from traffic inspector Mogale, according to a SAPS press release, about a white Toyota Fortuner, driven by a Mozambican national, fitted with false registration plates. Lt Col Msiza instructed the traffic inspector to handcuff Carlos while he was driving towards them.

Upon arrival at the scene, the Fortuner and the suspect were handed over to the police.

The suspect was interviewed, and he mentioned that he was given the vehicle by an unknown person to take it to Mozambique.

It was also established that the engine and chassis number were tampered with.

The suspect was immediately arrested and appeared in court on several occasions until he was convicted and sentenced on Wednesday, May 8.

The accused remained in custody from the day he was arrested until he was sentenced.

The accused was sentenced as follows:

Count 1: Possession of suspected stolen motor vehicle – sentenced to six years imprisonment with a deportation order following his incarceration.

Count 2: Contravening the provision of Immigration Act, Act 13 of 2002, – sentenced to six months
imprisonment.

The sentences handed down will run concurrently and Carlos will effectively serve six years imprisonment.