Information from the National Crime Intelligence Structure of the Police which was executed in collaboration with the Middleburg Flying Squad members has led to the apprehension of two suspects as well as the recovery of a suspected stolen vehicle.
The two men were intercepted on the N4 Road near Middleburg. It is said that one of the men was reportedly driving a grey Lexus SUV meanwhile there are allegations indicating that the second one was driving a white Ford Ranger bakkie.
The Lexus was reported as stolen in Sandton (Gauteng Province) on a theft case reported on 7 May 2023.
According to information, members of the SAPS from Flying Squad Unit received information provided by their counterparts from National Intelligence on Friday, 12 May 2023 at about 18:30 about a suspected stolen vehicle which was possibly heading to Mozambique.
The Lexus was intercepted at Middleburg Toll Plaza where a 35-year-old male suspect, who was behind the wheel, was arrested.
The Police are also following up on information regarding a Ford Ranger bakkie which was stopped after it sped off as it passed the Middleburg Toll Gate when members attempted to stop it.
It is suspected that the driver of the bakkie, aged 39, might have information that can be crucial in the investigation regarding the theft of the Lexus SUV in Sandton.
Currently he was apprehended and detained for further investigation as the vehicle that he was driving was not reported stolen.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela commended the team work displayed by the two units. The General strongly believe that the arrest will assist cracking down the vehicle theft syndicate.
