Routine patrols paid off when Police in Middleburg arrested three Mozambican Nationals aged between 25 and 28 with suspected stolen diesel on Friday 2 December 2022 at about 00:20.
Members of the police from Middelburg’s Crime Prevention Unit were patrolling at Vaalbank Village next to Black Watlo mine outside Middleburg.
Police then spotted a suspicious looking vehicle, a white Toyota Hilux with three male occupants. The vehicle was stopped and a search was conducted resulting in the recovery of 25 litre containers filled with diesel inside the said vehicle.
The total number of containers found were 24. Neither of the three men could provide proof of purchase nor a clear explanation of the owner of the fuel they were transporting hence they were all arrested. The diesel as well as the vehicle used were also confiscated for further investigation.
Meanwhile the suspects appeared at the Middleburg Magistrate’s Court on charges of possession of suspected stolen properties where their case was postponed to 6 December 2022 for a formal bail application meanwhile the three were remanded in custody.
The three suspects are Antonio Munguambe (28), Rivage Alzido Juliao (26), and Tali Alberte (25).
Police are working in collaboration with the department of Home Affairs to ascertain their status in the Republic of South Africa.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela is delighted about the commitment displayed by the members. The General further warned that police will continue to be vigilant and will bring to book all those that decide to be on the wrong side of the law.
