A joint operation between police and local security companies led to the recovery of a stolen vehicle, thousands of rands in stolen goods, copper cables, and drugs over the weekend.
Yesterday (August 9), a team consisting of Sipru Security, the Anti-Hijacking Unit, Aiguille Security, and Middelburg Crime Prevention acted on intelligence regarding a white Toyota Quantum stolen in Vosman.
According to Warrant Officer Nonhlanhla Mdluli, a drone flown by Aiguille Security located the vehicle hidden at a property in 58 Zuid Street in the industrial area in Middelburg.
Mdluli said when security and police units arrived, they found the minibus parked under a shed.
“The vehicle was found slightly stripped, and the VIN had been tampered with,” said Mdluli.
One man was arrested on the scene for possession of the stolen vehicle.
Mdluli said police then searched the rest of the property and found 20 litres of suspected stolen hydraulic and transmission oils, as well as antifreeze and coolants.
“The total value of the recovered goods is estimated at up to R150 000,” said Mdluli.
“A second man was arrested for possession of suspected stolen liquids.”
Mdluli added that the vehicle and all seized goods were booked into police custody at the Middelburg Police Station.
Police uncover copper cables during stop-and-search
The Observer also reported two separate police operations conducted on Friday.
During a routine stop-and-search operation on the R555 Old Witbank Road, police pulled over a white VW Polo Vivo.
Mdluli said a search of the boot revealed a 27kg bag of copper cables.
“It has been estimated that the stolen copper is valued at around R5 130,” said Mdluli.
The driver was arrested, and both the car and the cables were impounded.
In a separate incident in the Middelburg CBD later that day, police arrested a 42-year-old man for possession of illegal drugs.
Suspects due in court
All suspects arrested during these operations are scheduled to appear in the Middelburg Magistrate’s Court tomorrow.
Mdluli said these operations are part of an ongoing effort to reduce crime in Middelburg and the broader Nkangala region.
