Foreign nationals nabbed with suspected stolen vehicle

Two foreign nationals were on Friday arrested in the eManguzi cross-border crime operation, Project Umgodiwemvubu.

The duo, Julian Stephen Antonio (45) and Paschal Ebenezer Mollel (34), believed to be Mozambicans, were caught with a suspected stolen Ford Ranger bakkie on the R22 in Manguzi.

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uMkhanyadukde Cluster police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Sibusiso Mkhize said the men were charged with possession of a suspected stolen vehicle, as well as fraud and forgery.

“Project Umgodiwemvubu police deployed in uMkhanyakude District to curb cross-border crimes, spotted a suspicious vehicle with two occupants in Manguzi.

“The police stopped and searched the vehicle. During the search and preliminary investigation, police discovered that the vehicle had been reported stolen in Witbank. A suspected fraudulent document in the vehicle was found.

“They appeared before Manguzi Magistrate’s Court on Monday and were remanded in custody pending police investigation. They are expected to appear this week for a formal bail application,” said Mkhize.

District commissioner Brigadier Jeros Thango applauded the arrests and further appreciated the commitment of the police in fighting cross-border crimes in uMkhanyakude District.

Thango also praised the successes of the team as 10 vehicles have been recovered since 1 April to date.

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