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Stolen bakkie from Gauteng recovered in Nkomazi: A stolen bakkie taken in Honeydew, Gauteng, has been recovered in Nkomazi after a high-speed chase that ended when the vehicle collided with two cows on Driekoppies Road.
Stolen bakkie from Gauteng recovered in Nkomazi: suspect arrested
The suspect was arrested on Saturday (7 November 2026) at around 22:00, during an intelligence-driven operation by the Mpumalanga SAPS Provincial Anti-Hijacking Task Team, together with Tonga Visible Policing (VISPOL) and Crime Intelligence.
According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, members received information about a suspicious white vehicle travelling along the R570 Road. A multidisciplinary team was mobilised to trace and intercept the car.
The vehicle, matching the description, was spotted near One Three Hill on Schoemansdal Road. Police attempted to stop it, but the driver failed to comply and sped off towards Jeppes Reef, sparking a high-speed chase.
Stolen bakkie from Gauteng recovered in Nkomazi: bakkie collides with two cows
During the pursuit, the suspect turned onto Driekoppies Road, where the bakkie collided with two cows. The vehicle was badly damaged and the driver sustained serious injuries.
A further check revealed the vehicle was fitted with false registration number plates. Police established that the bakkie is linked to a case of a Volkswagen Amarok stolen in Honeydew, Gauteng.
The driver was arrested for possession of a suspected stolen motor vehicle and transported to hospital for medical treatment under police guard.
Investigations are continuing and the suspect is expected to appear in court in due course.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga commended members for their swift response and teamwork in combating vehicle-related crime.
Nkomazi in the news after illegal drag racing incident
Nkomazi was also in the news last month when one person died in an alleged illegal drag racing incident on the D1657 Road at Richter’s Hoek between Malelane and KaMhlushwa in Nkomazi. Mpumalanga MEC Jackie Macie condemned the act, called it reckless and lawless, and ordered SAPS and traffic officers to clamp down on illegal racing hotspots.
ALSO READ: MEC Macie slams illegal drag racing after fatal crash claims life in Nkomazi
SAPS Mpumalanga hijacking successes
SAPS Mpumalanga’s Anti-Hijacking Team in Ehlanzeni has shown significant results in intelligence-driven operations. Between 14 and 17 October 2026 alone, the team recovered seven suspected hijacked and stolen vehicles, including trucks, in just four days, and in a separate operation eight vehicles including a Toyota Prado from Garsfontein, a Toyota Quantum from Nkomazi and an Isuzu from Jabulani Gauteng.
Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise commended the members, saying the recovery of seven vehicles in four days demonstrates the effectiveness of the anti-hijacking strategy. The latest arrest in Nkomazi on the R570 — where a bakkie stolen in Honeydew, Gauteng, was recovered after crashing into cows on Driekoppies Road — forms part of the same ongoing crackdown along the N4, R570 and Mozambique border routes.
How to protect your bakkie from hijacking – SAPS safety tips
Motorists in Mpumalanga 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
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.
