Two separate operations in Mpumalanga have recovered hijacked trucks and high-value cargo worth about R16 million, with two suspects arrested
South Africa’s road freight sector continues to face serious security risks, with criminals targeting trucks carrying high-value cargo across the country’s transport network.
Two separate operations in Mpumalanga this week resulted in the recovery of stolen property worth approximately R16 million, including unprocessed copper and power transformers, following truck hijackings.
On Tuesday, August 18, the Ehlanzeni Anti-Hijacking Task Team, together with officers from Ngodwana SAPS, arrested a 34-year-old Mozambican national after intercepting a hijacked truck carrying suspected stolen power transformers.
The truck, which was reportedly hijacked in Devon, Gauteng, was transporting the transformers when it was stolen. Police later intercepted the vehicle on the Schoemanskloof Road towards Mbombela.
The suspected stolen goods were valued at more than R6 million.
The suspect was arrested and charged with possession of a suspected stolen motor vehicle and possession of suspected stolen property. Police are also working with officials from the Department of Home Affairs to establish his immigration status.
“It was during this period when the suspect was placed under arrest and then charged for possession of suspected stolen motor vehicle as well as for possession of suspected stolen property,” said GCSI Mpumalanga in a statement.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court.
In a separate operation on the same day, the Nkangala Anti-Hijacking Task Team and Cyber Search Security recovered a hijacked truck, trailer, container and unprocessed copper with a combined value of approximately R9 million in Witbank.
The truck and trailer, carrying the copper, were reportedly hijacked in Grootvlei around 8:30 AM on August 18. The driver was also allegedly hijacked during the incident.
Following intelligence and tracking efforts, police received information that the trailer had been taken to a dealership in Witbank.
When officers arrived at the premises, they found the trailer and container attached to a different horse truck. The driver could not be located.
The owner of the premises, a 33-year-old Zimbabwean national, was arrested and charged with possession of suspected stolen property.
Police seized the horse truck, trailer, container and unprocessed copper, with the copper alone valued at approximately R7.8 million.
The suspect was also found to be in the country illegally and faces an additional charge under the Immigration Act.
Investigations are continuing to locate the hijacked driver and identify other people who may have been involved.
The suspect is expected to appear in the Witbank Magistrate’s Court.
These two incidents highlight a syndicate that is targeting trucks transporting expensive goods. It also highlights the level of crime committed by foreign nationals in the country and how quickly stolen freight can be moved from the original hijacking location to other premises.