On 17 February 2020 police officers at Inanda embarked on an intelligence driven operation targeting criminals involved in carjacking and fraudulent activities.
A 30-year-old man was arrested at KwaMashu by the team which also comprised of Metro police after a vehicle with a cloned registration number was seized. Further investigation revealed that the vehicle belonged to a private company. An enquiry on the engine number uncovered that the vehicle was suspected to be stolen and linked to a hijacking case committed in KwaMashu on 11 January 2020.
A laptop suspected to be stolen was also seized by police. The suspect was charged for being in possession of stolen property.
A rigorous investigation conducted by the team led them to Umlazi where fraudulent logbooks and licence discs were discovered at a home. Equipment such as computers; printers; scanners; numerous fraudulent documents and Department of Transport stamps as well as stationery were seized. A second stolen vehicle was found on the premises.
Investigations revealed that the second vehicle was stolen at Umbilo on 25 January 2018. A 53-year-old man was also placed under arrest. The vehicle has been impounded for further investigation. Both suspects are expected to appear in court soon on charges of fraud and for being in possession of a stolen property.
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Khombinkosi Jula applauded the arrest as well as the recovery of the vehicles. “This breakthrough is very promising and we hope that it will lead to further arrests and a crackdown on syndicates dealing in stolen and hijacked vehicle,” he said.
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