Delmas cops seize police bakkie coverted into diesel tanker
"In addition to that, investigation thus far revealed that in fact the vehicle belongs to the police in Thohoyandou, Limpopo," said Mohlala.
Delmas Police on Wednesday, July 30, discovered a suspicious looking bakkie on the N12 is in fact a police vehicle that has been converted into a diesel tanker.
Brig Selvy Mohlala, police spokesman in Mpumalanga, said in a media statement 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 registration number plates, looked rather strange and heavily loaded. The back of thr bakkie was covered with a black canvas.
“The members ordered the driver to stop and then searched the vehicle.”
Mohlala said the members were surprised when they removed the canvas and discovered that the back of the bakkie was in fact 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 then 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,” said Mohlala.
Police at Delmas have confiscated about 500l of diesel valued at about R13 800.
“To make matters worse, the members uncovered that the registration number plates displayed on the bakkie were incorrect, hence the vehicle was seized.
“In addition to that, investigation thus far revealed that in fact the vehicle belongs to the police in Thohoyandou, Limpopo,” said Mohlala.
“This matter is still being investigated to find out how the vehicle ended up in the hands of the 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, Lieut-Gen Semakaleng Daphney Manamela was excited by news.
“We have been saying all along that the calibre of the police members that we have in the province are capable and skilled to do the work in an exceptional way, hence the commendable results.
“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 said.
