The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has applauded Nelspruit Flying Squad members for arresting three suspects, aged between 31 and 47. The three were arrested on the N4 Road between Kanyamazane and Matsulu in the late hours of Saturday, 12 March 2022 on charges of being in possession of suspected stolen properties whilst possibly smuggling motorbikes and parts thereof to Mozambique.
Police report indicates that members received information about a certain white Toyota Quantum minibus with Free State registration number plates. The details further pointed out that the kombi, carrying some suspected stolen items was en route to Mozambique, using the N4 Road. The said vehicle, which was occupied by commuters was then spotted by the members between Kanyamazane and Matsulu whilst traveling towards the direction of Malelane.
A search was then conducted on the kombi as well as the trailer which it was pulling and items suspected to have been stolen were discovered.
The properties include amongst others, motorbikes as well as some parts of motorcycles wrapped in a black plastic bags. Three commuters informed police that they were the owners of the bags. The three men were then arrested and charged for possession of suspected stolen properties.
Preliminary investigation into the incident revealed so far that the kombi was traveling from Welkom (Free State) and was destined to Mozambique when it was intercepted.
The three are believed to have been in a mission to smuggle the goods from South Africa to the country of Mozambique when their attempts were halted by the astute members.
The three suspects are expected to appear in the Barberton Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 14 March 2022 facing the said charges. They could possibly be linked to cases in relation to the confiscated properties wherein more charges may be added.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has reassured the public that police and other law enforcement agencies are determined to stop the smuggling of goods. “As long as the information about criminal activities are brought to our attention, we will act decisively without fear or favour. We thank both members of the public and the members for this commendable success,” said the General.
