Ford engines worth R1.1m still missing, several in dock for the heist
The 36 engines were stolen in July and at the time four suspects including two Ford security personnel, a mechanical repair shop owner and the truck driver were nabbed for the heist.
The Hawks are still investigating the heist at the Pretoria east-based Ford company in July though the suspects have been arrested.
Spokesperson Captain Bonnie Nxumalo said the 36 engines looted using a courier truck service were yet to be found but the suspects are due back in court on October 11.
Nxumalo said Nkosiphendule Ndukumbini (41), Khulong Lawrence Moseane (44) and Maesela Ben Aphane (40) appeared in the Pretoria magistrate’s court on Thursday, October 5 following their arrest on October 4 and 5.
She said the case was postponed to October 9 for bail application, and the men were remanded in custody.
“The investigation to arrest more suspects and recover the stolen goods is continuing.”
In July, four people were arrested in possession of property suspected stolen in the robbery.
“On July 20, four suspects including two Ford security personnel, a mechanical repair shop owner and the truck driver (aged between 29 and 44) were arrested for possession of suspected stolen property. They appeared in the Pretoria magistrate’s court where they were released on bail. The four will return to court on October 11.”
Police are yet to locate the stolen engines estimated at R1.1- million.
The arrests and investigation for the stolen engines were initiated by a complaint from Ford when it suspected that there was a “possible” theft of engines at its plant.
The Hawks serious organised crime investigation swooped in and arrested several people including, a security personnel, a mechanic and a truck driver who faced charges of theft and possession of suspected stolen motor vehicle parts.
Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale previously said, “The Hawks received information from Ford about the possible theft of engines”.
She said the investigation later established that a truck from a courier company was used to load racks of approximately 36 engines up at the Ford premises.
She said that after the truck was loaded, it successfully exited the premises without following proper procedure.
“The truck went to offload at Charles Leyds Street in Eersterust on the instructions to the driver.”
She said law enforcement officers found the racks and forklift on the Eersterust property.
“Two elderly persons found on the premises said they did not know about the cargo.”
She said however the engines remained missing.
The Ford plant is located in an industrial area on the outskirts of Silverton and produces midsize trucks.
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