Police bust Akasia suspect linked to stolen vehicles
The vehicles were stolen in different provinces, which could mean the man is part of a broader criminal network.
A 41-year-old man has been arrested in Akasia, north of Pretoria, following the recovery of four reportedly stolen and hijacked vehicles, as well as a firearm and ammunition.
The arrest after police received intelligence about a suspect allegedly involved in motor vehicle theft and hijackings operating in the Akasia area.
Acting on the information, a team was activated to track down the suspect and conduct a search of his premises.
The operation involved the police’s Tactical Response Team from Gauteng, SAPS Crime Intelligence from the Eastern Cape, and two private security companies.
Police spokesperson Captain Johan van Dyk said that during the search, officers recovered four vehicles that had been reported stolen or hijacked in different parts of the country.
These include a Hyundai minibus that was hijacked in Olivenhoutbosch, a Kia bakkie reported stolen in Alberton, a Ford Fiesta stolen in Middelburg in Mpumalanga Province, and a Hyundai H100.
He said the discovery of vehicles linked to crimes committed across provincial boundaries suggests a broader criminal network may be involved.
Van Dyk said further searches at the premises led to the recovery of a firearm, ammunition and various sets of vehicle registration plates, raising concerns about the suspect’s possible involvement in additional criminal activities.
“This arrest is the result of strong intelligence-led policing and effective co-operation between various law enforcement and private security partners.
“The recovery of multiple stolen and hijacked vehicles, as well as a firearm and ammunition, is an important success and demonstrates our commitment to tackling vehicle-related crime in the Tshwane District and beyond.”
The suspect is expected to appear before the Pretoria North Magistrate’s Court soon on charges of possession of suspected stolen and hijacked motor vehicles.
Van Dyk added that investigations are ongoing to establish whether the suspect is linked to other vehicle theft or hijacking cases, as well as any organised crime syndicates operating in the region.
“We urge anyone who may have information related to vehicle crime or similar criminal activities to come forward and assist the police,” he said.
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