Two suspects are set to appear before the Delmas Magistrate’s Court on 27 January after being arrested for possession of a stolen Toyota Hilux bakkie hijacked near Vosman, Witbank.

The arrests followed a swift response by the Middelburg flying squad unit, who acted on information provided by a vehicle tracking company. The stolen vehicle was traced to the N12 off-ramp, where police successfully intercepted it.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, a 48-year-old suspect was found in possession of the hijacked Toyota Hilux and was promptly arrested. “He has been charged with possession of the suspected hijacked vehicle,” said Ndubane.

Additionally, a 40-year-old man driving a silver Toyota Corolla was also arrested nearby. Police suspect that he was escorting the stolen bakkie. The driver of the Toyota Corolla, identified as a Mozambican national, was found with a valid passport, but his role in the incident is under scrutiny.

Both suspects are currently in police custody and are expected to face charges related to the possession of the hijacked vehicle when they appear in court.

Collaborative Police Work Commended

The acting provincial police commissioner of Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, praised the quick and coordinated efforts of the law enforcement team, which led to the recovery of the stolen vehicle. “This arrest demonstrates the efficiency and dedication of our officers in responding to criminal activities,” said Mkhwanazi.

He also urged communities to continue working closely with law enforcement agencies by providing information that can aid in the fight against crime, particularly the hijacking of vehicles and trafficking of stolen property.

A Broader Pattern of Vehicle Theft

The arrests come against the backdrop of rising concerns about vehicle hijackings in the province. In a similar incident in November, police in Acornhoek, Mpumalanga, apprehended six suspects, including a pastor and his driver, for possession of a stolen vehicle.

Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi reported that during a routine patrol near Klaserie Dam, officers noticed a suspicious vehicle carrying six occupants leaving the area. The vehicle was intercepted, leading to the arrests. Investigations revealed that the vehicle was stolen, adding another case to the growing list of vehicle hijacking incidents in the region.

The Impact of Vehicle Hijackings

Vehicle hijackings and theft remain a significant challenge in Mpumalanga, affecting both residents and businesses. Law enforcement agencies have intensified their efforts to combat this crime through improved collaboration with private tracking companies and routine patrols in high-risk areas.

While the recovery of stolen vehicles and arrests of suspects highlight progress, incidents such as these underscore the need for continued vigilance and community cooperation.

Investigations into the latest case involving the hijacked Toyota Hilux and the possible role of the silver Toyota Corolla driver are ongoing. Authorities hope to uncover further details that may lead to the dismantling of organized vehicle theft syndicates in the area.

The police remain committed to ensuring that such crimes are addressed and that perpetrators face the full extent of the law. Major General Mkhwanazi reiterated the importance of safeguarding communities by swiftly responding to criminal activities and protecting public resources.