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EHLANZENI DISTRICT – Mpumalanga police have scored a major victory in the fight against vehicle crime after recovering three hijacked bakkies and arresting one suspect during intensive anti-hijacking operations in the Ehlanzeni District on Tuesday, 20 October.
The operations were led by the Provincial Anti-Hijacking Task Team assigned to Ehlanzeni, working with Tonga Visible Policing, Crime Intelligence and private vehicle tracking companies.
Hijacked bakkie intercepted on N4 near Malelane – suspect arrested
In the first incident, officers were conducting patrols along the N4 when they received intelligence about a suspicious white double-cab bakkie travelling past Malelane.
The vehicle, with Mpumalanga registration plates, was intercepted and searched. Preliminary investigation revealed the bakkie had been hijacked in Kabokweni and was fitted with false number plates.
The driver, 34-year-old Alfonso Nhouunte, a Mozambican national, was arrested and charged with possession of a suspected stolen motor vehicle. He appeared in the Malelane periodical court today and remains in custody. The case was postponed to 28 October for a bail application.
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Second bakkie found abandoned on R538 between Karino and Plaston
Later that same day at approximately 18:50, the Provincial Anti-Hijacking Task Team received information about another hijacked bakkie.
Working with the vehicle tracking company, the team followed coordinates provided by the tracker and found the vehicle abandoned along the R538 Road between Karino and Plaston. The keys were still in the ignition. The suspects had fled the scene.
Police are still searching for the suspects.
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Third hijacking: Isuzu D-Max stolen in Kabokweni, recovered in Newscom
At approximately 19:10 on Tuesday evening, the task team, Kabokweni Visible Policing members and tracking companies responded to a third hijacking in the Kabokweni policing area.
According to SAPS, the victim was at home when he was confronted by three armed men who pointed a firearm at him and demanded the keys to his white Isuzu D-Max bakkie.
The suspects fled with the vehicle. The anti-hijacking team immediately activated a search operation and recovered the bakkie abandoned in the Newscom area. No suspects were found at the scene.
Police recover three hijacked bakkies: SAPS commissioner commends teamwork
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise, commended the anti-hijacking task team and tracking companies for their swift response.
“We commend our provincial anti-hijacking task team, and their counterparts from tracking companies, for the excellent work that led to the recovery of three hijacked bakkies as well as the arrest of a suspect. This success demonstrates our unwavering commitment in the fight against vehicle-related crimes. We will continue to intensify operations to ensure that those who terrorize our communities are brought to justice,” said Lt Gen Modise.
She added that intelligence played a pivotal role in the operations.
Police recover three hijacked bakkies: Ehlanzeni police intensify patrols – courier bakkies targeted
SAPS in Ehlanzeni have intensified patrols, vehicle checkpoints and stop-and-search operations on freeways and main roads, especially targeting the theft of bakkies used by courier companies.
District Commissioner of SAPS in Ehlanzeni, Major General Dorah Xaba, urged the public to remain vigilant and enhance their vehicle security features.
How to protect your bakkie from hijacking – SAPS safety tips
Motorists in Mbombela, Nelspruit, Malelane and Kabokweni are advised to:
- Always lock your vehicle and close windows, even for a short period
- Never leave valuables, phones, handbags or laptops visible inside
- Park in well-lit, secure areas with CCTV or security guards
- Be extra alert when approaching your driveway, traffic lights and intersections at night
- Avoid giving lifts to strangers and watch for vehicles following you
- Fit an approved tracking device, gear lock or immobiliser
Police recover three hijacked bakkies: Report hijacked or stolen vehicles
Anyone with information about stolen or hijacked vehicles or suspicious activities is urged to call Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or send information via the MySAPS App. All information will be treated as confidential.
