A coordinated operation by Free State highway patrol units has led to the recovery of suspected stolen groceries valued at approximately R2 million and the arrest of three men.
The incident unfolded on the evening of Thursday, 23 October 2025, at around 22:30. Members of the Sasolburg Highway Patrol Relief D were conducting patrols on the N1 when they spotted a truck parked on the side of the road. The driver was observed connecting trailers under the cover of darkness, prompting the officers to investigate.
Upon questioning, the 31-year-old driver could not produce any documentation, specifically an invoice, for the truck’s substantial load or for the truck itself. The authorities subsequently contacted the registered owner of the truck.
The owner confirmed that the load of mixed groceries did belong to him; however, he disclosed a critical discrepancy. While the cargo was his, the truck cab (or “head”) transporting it should have been a VOLVO, not the MAN model found at the scene.
This information led to the immediate arrest of the 31-year-old suspect. He was charged with possession of suspected stolen property.
Acting on this intelligence, the Sasolburg team alerted the Kroonstad Highway Patrol Relief C to be on the lookout for the missing Volvo truck head. Kroonstad officers later spotted a Volvo truck matching the description. The vehicle, occupied by two men, was intercepted.
A 33-year-old and a 39-year-old suspect were subsequently arrested and also charged with possession of suspected stolen property.
The trio is scheduled to appear in the Kroonstad and Parys Magistrate’s Courts in the near future to face the charges.
