Police stationed at the Lebombo Port of Entry in Mpumalanga had a busy weekend, after they recovered three vehicles and arrested a Tanzanian national for possession of suspected stolen property.

Provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala says a Ford Ranger double-cab, Toyota GD6 double-cab and an Isuzu tow truck were recovered in three separate incidents.

On Friday, the Ford, valued at about R800 000, was intercepted at the border’s control checkpoint at around 14:00. The driver of the vehicle, who alleged he stays in Mozambique, was stopped before he could leave South Africa.

Police allege that the vehicle is in fact owned by a bank and that it was purchased less than a month ago with no instalment yet paid.

“The driver possessed documents indicating that he is the lawful owner of the vehicle and claimed that he had bought the vehicle from someone in Gauteng,” says Mohlala.

Mohamed Rutenga was arrested and further investigation of his documents, believed to have been acquired fraudulently, will be conducted. He appeared in the Komatipoort Magistrate’s Court yesterday and was granted R1 000 bail. The case was postponed until March 3.

At around 21:30 on Friday, a Toyota valued at about R750 000 was intercepted before it could cross the border to Mozambique. Police believe the engine and vehicle identification numbers have been tampered with.

Mohlala says an investigation into the ownership of the vehicle has been launched.

On Saturday at about 13:00, an Isuzu tow truck believed to also have been tampered with was intercepted on its way to Mozambique.

“The driver somehow evaded arrest, but the vehicle was confiscated. No one has been arrested. However, the police are in pursuit of the suspect.

“The total estimated value of the confiscated vehicles over the weekend is about R1 800 000,” says Mohlala.