A joint operation led by the Middelburg Flying Squad and Belfast Police resulted in the recovery of a stolen truck and the arrest of two men in Belfast.

The operation followed information received on Thursday, 29 January, about a truck with Mozambican registration plates that had been taken during a robbery in Elsburg, Gauteng.

The information was acted on by members based in Middelburg, working alongside Belfast officers and a private tracking company.

The truck was traced to a property in Bhekimuzi Masango Drive in Belfast, where it was found parked in a yard. Two men were at the scene, reportedly working on the vehicle with the help of mechanics.

When questioned about ownership, the men claimed the truck belonged to them through a business arrangement. Further checks confirmed the vehicle was reported stolen, a fact later verified by the rightful owner.

At the time of recovery , the truck had already been stripped of several parts. Eight tires and additional vehicle components were also found on the premises and removed.

A further inspection of the yard led to the discovery of several other vehicles.

One blue vehicle with Mpumalanga registration plates was identified as stolen in Berea, Gauteng, with the case dating back to 1993. That vehicle has been seized for further investigation.

The two suspects, believed to be foreign nationals from Malawi and Zimbabwe, were arrested at the scene. They are expected to appear in the Belfast Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 2 February.

Investigations by the police are continuing.