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Durban Metro Police recover hijacked municipal vehicle, signal jammers, firearms in Folweni

Mercury Reporter|Published

A municipal-owned Toyota Etios that was hijacked a few weeks ago was recovered at the weekend.

Image: Durban Metro Police

A municipal vehicle that was hijacked in uMbumbulu several weeks ago has been recovered by Durban Metro police, together with the SA Police Service.

In a statement on Saturday, the Durban Metro police said its highway division officers received a tip-off regarding the whereabouts of the vehicle.

“Acting on a tip-off, officers traced the council-owned white Toyota Etios, hijacked in uMbumbulu several weeks ago, to a house in Folweni. Upon arrival, members located the municipal vehicle, which was positively identified as the one hijacked in uMbumbulu. Officers from the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Folweni also joined the operation to provide support.”

The firearms and signal jammers found on the property.

Image: Durban Metro Police

The firearms and signal jammers found on the property.

Image: Durban Metro Police

Three other vehicles were also found on the property.

Image: Durban Metro police

In September last year, eThekwini mayor Cyril Xaba sounded the alarm on a spike in municipal vehicle thefts and violent attacks on staff members.

According to reports at the time, 100 municipal vehicles have been stolen in the past two years, with vehicle theft incidents continuing to rise unabated.

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The Metro police added that three other vehicles were found on the property, as well as three firearms, vehicle signal jammers, multiple vehicle parts and log book copies. 

“No suspects were found in the house. A case has been opened with Folweni SAPS for further investigation,” the Durban Metro police said.