Delmas police are investigating how a police vehicle from Limpopo ended up with the loading bin converted into a diesel tanker. They are also trying to establish why the vehicle, fitted with GP number plates, was found in the possession of two Zimbabwean nationals.

Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, police spokesman in Mpumalanga, says members were on patrol on the N12 highway at about 07:30 when they noticed a suspicious white Nissan NP300 single cab bakkie with two occupants.

The vehicle, which had Gauteng number plates, looked like it was carrying a heavy load. The back of the bakkie was covered with a black canvas.

“The members ordered the driver to stop and searched the vehicle.”

Mohlala says police were surprised when they removed the canvas and discovered that the back of the bakkie was converted into a diesel tank.

“Two men from Zimbabwe, aged 29 and 34, were questioned about the purchase of the diesel but failed to produce any proof.

“They were detained and are facing charges of being in possession of suspected stolen diesel.

“The 29-year-old is also facing an additional charge of contravention of the Immigration Act as he reportedly does not possess legal documents of being in South Africa,” says Mohlala.

Police at Delmas have confiscated about 500l of diesel valued at about R13 800.

“The members uncovered that the registration number plates displayed on the bakkie were incorrect, and the vehicle was seized.

“In addition to that, investigation thus far revealed that the vehicle belongs to the police in Thohoyandou, Limpopo,” says Mohlala.

“This matter is still being investigated to find out how the vehicle ended up in the hands of two Zimbabweans.”

According to Mohlala, more charges against the two are eminent and police cannot rule out the possibility of more arrests as the probe continues.

The Provincial Commissioner of the police in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant-Geneneral Semakaleng Daphney Manamela was excited by news.

“We are thankful the police vehicle was recovered, and we are also adamant that there will be more clarity with regard to the police car,” she says.