A suspected stolen vehicle was recovered within hours after a coordinated operation by the Provincial Anti-Hijacking Task Team in Ehlanzeni.

According to the police the team worked alongside a private tracking company to trace and recover a silver Toyota Fortuner reported stolen earlier that day.

The incident unfolded on Saturday, 2 May, when the owner parked the vehicle at a local hospital in Nelspruit while visiting a patient. Upon returning, the owner discovered that the car had been taken.

Police were alerted, and tracking efforts began immediately. Initial signals pointed investigators to the Matsulu area, but the vehicle could not be located at the time.

Later, at around 18:30, updated tracking information directed the team to Pienaar in Msogwaba. Officers moved swiftly to the identified location, where they found the vehicle abandoned behind a stadium.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the recovered Fortuner had been fitted with false Gauteng registration plates, believed to have been used to avoid detection.

No arrests have been made, and police say investigations are continuing to identify and apprehend those responsible.

The South African Police Service has urged members of the public with information to come forward. Tip-offs can be reported anonymously via the Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or through the MySAPSApp.

Police spokesperson Captain Mpho Nonyane-Mpe confirmed that efforts to track down the suspects are ongoing.