Mpumalanga police seizes three vehicles worth over R1 million at the Lebombo border. Image: SAPS
Vehicles valued at R1 million seized at the Lebombo border
Mpumalanga police seized three vehicles worth over R1 million at the Lebombo border.
Mpumalanga police seizes three vehicles worth over R1 million at the Lebombo border. Image: SAPS
The South African Police seized three vehicles worth more than R1 million and arrested one suspect at the Lebombo border on Friday, 27 January 2023.
VEHICLES SEIZED AT THE BORDER
According to information, a Ford Ranger valued at about R800 000 was intercepted at the vehicle control checkpoint on the said day at about 14:00.
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Police stopped a 49-year-old Tanzanian national en route to Mozambique from South Africa. The vehicle looked suspicious; hence police instituted a further investigation,” Mpumalanga Police Spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said.
The preliminary investigation shows the vehicle was owned by the bank and was purchased less than a month ago. The probe further revealed that not even a single installment was paid for the car.
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ONE SUSPECTED ARRESTED
“The driver possessed documents indicating that he is the lawful owner of the vehicle and claimed that he bought the vehicle from someone in Gauteng. The driver was arrested, and further investigation on the originality of his documents which is believed to have been acquired fraudulently, will be conducted.”
Selvy Mohlala
Mohlala said the man, identified as Mohamed Rutenga, appeared at the Komatipoort Magistrate’s Court today, Monday, 30 January 2023, and was granted bail of R1000-00. The case was postponed to 03 March 2023 for trial.
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In a separate incident on the same day at about 21:30, a Toyota GD6 double cab valued at about R750 000-00 with tempered engine and vehicle identification numbers was also intercepted while going to Mozambique from South Africa.
The police seized the double cab and opened an inquiry docket to determine the vehicle’s owner.
On Saturday, 28 January 2023, at about 13:00, an Isuzu tow truck believed to have been tampered with was intercepted on its way to Mozambique.
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“The driver somehow evaded arrest, but the vehicle was confiscated for investigation purposes. However, police are pursuing the suspect.”
Selvy Mohlala
Police say the total estimated clue of the vehicles is about R1 800 000.
Mpumalanga Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, commended all members involved in the recoveries and the suspect’s arrest.
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“The members have done a great job, thereby saving a fortune by the recovery of the vehicles, and I am proud that our police and other law enforcers have an interest of the inhabitants of the Republic at heart.”
Semakaleng Daphney Manamela
