Pretoria – A 44-year-old man has been arrested in Mpumalanga for the alleged possession of a Ford Ranger double cab bakkie, which had been reported stolen in Protea Glen, Gauteng.
Police spokesperson in Mpumalanga, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said the vehicle was recovered in a joint operation by SAPS and vehicle tracking company Cartrack.
“The law enforcement agencies in Mpumalanga seem to be conquering the battle against theft, robbery and hijacking of vehicles in the province. This is evident by the arrest of a 44-year-old male suspect,” Mohlala said.
“Credit should be given to Middelburg flying squad and the tracking company which managed to gather information regarding a Ford Ranger double cab bakkie, whereby an enquiry was opened in Protea Glen, Gauteng, on (Wednesday) 15 February, 2023.”
He said the “crucial” information was shared with SAPS members from the Middelburg flying squad.
A joint sting operation between the SAPS in Mpumalanga and Cartrack company was then conducted.
“The vehicle was spotted with one occupant at Schoenland near Vosman outside Witbank. The suspect was arrested for possession of suspected stolen motor vehicle. Meanwhile, the car was seized,” Mohlala said.
The 44-year-old is expected to appear before the Emalahleni Magistrate’s Court on the theft-related charges.
In December, a 45-year-old man was arrested at the Oshoek port of entry between South Africa and eSwatini for possession of a stolen car.
Members of the border police arrested the man while he was attempting to smuggle the stolen Nissan NP200 into eSwatini.
“According to the information, the astute members were busy with their normal duties at the border when they stopped the said vehicle with one occupant. This was followed by a search whereby the car was examined using SAPS electronic systems,” Mohlala said.
“It was then discovered that the vehicle was reportedly stolen at Boksburg in January, hence the suspect was arrested and charged for possession of suspected stolen property.”
IOL