A coordinated intelligence-driven operation resulted in the apprehension of five male suspects, aged between 30 and 43, for possession of suspected stolen property and contravention of the Immigration Act in the Tuinplaas policing area of the Waterberg District.
The operation was launched following a complaint received by police on Wednesday, 11 June 2025, at approximately 04:30, regarding the theft of four truck tyres from a vehicle at the Naboomspruit Truck Stop. The suspects, who were unknown at the time, allegedly stole the tyres from a parked truck.
In response, a multi-unit task force comprising the Waterberg District Flying Squad, District Detectives, Modimolle Police, Spoorvat Security, Rapid Intervention Unit (RIU), Ratel Security, Nylstroom SWAT Security, and PRSS Mookgophong Security mobilized to track down the suspects.
During the operation, authorities noticed a suspicious white Toyota Hilux bakkie with a Gauteng registration number traveling along the R33 public road near the Crecy T-junction under the Tuinplaas precinct. The vehicle, carrying five male occupants, was stopped and searched.
Upon inspection, police discovered four truck tyres concealed inside the bakkie’s canopy. When questioned about the origin of the tyres, the suspects failed to provide a satisfactory explanation, leading to their immediate arrest for possession of suspected stolen property valued at R36,000.
Further investigation revealed that three of the suspects were in the country illegally, resulting in an additional charge of Contravention of the Immigration Act.
The suspects are scheduled to appear before the Modimolle Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 12 June 2025, where they will face charges related to the possession of suspected stolen goods and immigration violations.
