Police in Nkomazi arrested a man after members received information regarding a suspicious white Volkswagen Amarok travelling along the R570.

Members of the SAPS Provincial Anti-Hijacking Task Team, working together with Tonga Visible Policing and Crime Intelligence, arrested the suspect during an intelligence-driven operation at 22:00 on November 7.

“While conducting patrols near One Three Hill on the Schoemansdal Road, members spotted a vehicle matching the description provided,” said Mpumalanga police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane.

She added that when police attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver instead sped off, resulting in a high-speed chase towards the Jeppes Reef area.

Cows struck during pursuit

According to Ndubane, during the pursuit the vehicle turned onto the Driekoppies Road where it collided with two cows, killing one and injuring another, and causing significant damage to the vehicle. She noted that the driver sustained serious injuries in the collision.

“A subsequent probe by police revealed that the vehicle had false registration number plates,” she said. “We established that the bakkie was in fact the centre of a police investigation into a case where a Volkswagen Amarok was stolen in Honeydew, Gauteng.”

Due to injuries sustained during the collision, the suspect was transported to hospital for medical treatment under police guard and has been charged with possession of a suspected stolen motor vehicle.

Police investigations are ongoing, and the suspect is expected to appear in court in due course.

Mpumalanga police commissioner Lieutenant General Nkankoane Apaphia Modise commended the members involved for their swift response and effective teamwork.