The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department’s (JMPD) Tactical Response Unit (TRU) has delivered a significant breakthrough in the fight against vehicle cloning following the recovery of a cloned vehicle in Midrand.

Acting on real-time intelligence, TRU officers recovered a white Toyota Corolla Cross at a filling station along Harry Galaun Drive. Subsequent technical verification confirmed that the vehicle’s VIN and engine numbers had been tampered with, indicating that it had been cloned.

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JMPD spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla said the recovery on December 15 was the result of swift and coordinated action by officers on the ground.

“After an alert from Vumacam, TRU members located the vehicle at a filling station,” said Fihla. “The vehicle was confirmed to be cloned following assistance from the Data Dot team, revealing that the VIN and engine numbers had been tampered with.”

Further investigations revealed that the vehicle is linked to a case registered with the Marikana Police Station.

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The recovered vehicle has since been booked into the Aeroton Police Station vehicle pound, where it will undergo further investigation as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle vehicle-related crime syndicates.

Fihla commended the TRU for its decisive action, reiterating JMPD’s firm stance against vehicle crime.

”Well done, TRU. The fight against vehicle crime continues with strong execution. Clear results. Zero tolerance for vehicle crime.”

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