NELSPRUIT - The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has commended members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) for recovering three vehicles, one Toyota Fortuner and two Toyota bakkies in the morning of today Saturday, 28 January 2023 at Steenbook Trust (outside Komatipoort) near the borderline of Mozambique. The said vehicles were possibly left abandoned by suspects.
According to the information, the three vehicles were recovered by the SANDF members after being spotted next to the borderline. The Police were informed accordingly and upon arrival a probe immediately commenced. Preliminary investigation has since revealed that the single Cab bakkie (Legend 50) was reportedly stolen this month (January 2023) in Alberton, in the Gauteng Province. Meanwhile the Toyota Fortuner was also reportedly stolen this month (January 2023) in Mothotlung in the North-West Province during a hijacking incident. On the other hand, when zooming into the recovered Toyota Club Cab bakkie (Legend 50), police discovered that the car was reportedly stolen in a theft case in Springs, Gauteng Province this month (January 2023). Though no one is arrested but police will continue to look for the suspects and urge anyone with information that may assist in apprehending the perpetrators to call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111 or send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has further appreciated the tone set by SANDF members as they never shifted their responsibility but acted accordingly thereby displaying their broader understanding and individual roles played by various law enforcement agencies in the fight against crime. "The cry by South Africans with regard to theft, hijacking and robbery of cars destined to neighbouring countries has been heard and the state agencies are working collaboratively to address this challenge hence this success" said the General.
Source: South African Police Service