The South African National Defense Force (SANDF) has recovered three stolen vehicles near the Mozambican border.
The vehicle, a Toyota Fortuner SUV and two Toyota bakkis were found on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at the Steenbook Trust, outside Komatipoort.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said the vehicle was abandoned by the suspects.
Vehicle recovery
Mohlala said the police had received information about a vehicle that was about to be taken across the border into Mozambique.
“Preliminary investigations have revealed that a single Cab bakkie (Legend 50) was reported stolen this month (January 2023) in Alberton, in the Gauteng Province. Meanwhile a Toyota Fortuner was also reported stolen this month (January 2023) in Mothotlung in the North-West Province when the incident piracy.
“While enlarging the recovered Toyota Club Cab bakkie (Legend 50), the police discovered that the car had been reported stolen in a theft case in Springs, Gauteng Province this month (January 2023),” he said.
Also read: Police officer disciplined after cable stolen in front of Reiger Park police station
There were no arrests
Mohlala added that no one was arrested.
“Police will continue to search for the suspect and urge anyone with information that could help the perpetrators to call Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or send information via MYSAPSAPP.”
SANDF praised
Saps Provincial Commissioner in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela commended the SANDF members for recovering the three vehicles.
Manamela said the “tone” set by SANDF members never shifted their responsibility.
“They are doing the right thing to display a broader understanding and the individual role played by various law enforcement agencies in the fight against crime.”
“Complaints by South Africans about the theft, hijacking and robbery of cars going to neighboring countries have been heard and the country’s agencies are working together to overcome this challenge, hence the success,” said the General.
Car smuggling between South Africa and Mozambique has become a major concern.
Also read: Saps raises R3 million for education of children of slain police officers