Police in the province of Mpumalanga continue with the 2022/2023 Safer Festive Season Operation and have vowed during the campaign, not to allow borders in the province to be used as transits for car smuggling. As a result, a white Nissan NP200 bakkie which was previously reported stolen in Gauteng was recovered at Oshoek Port of Entry. The driver of the bakkie (45) from the Kingdom of Eswatini was arrested. This commendable success was made by members of the Border Policing on Wednesday, 28 December 2022 around 21h00.
According to the information, the astute members were busy with their normal duties at the border when they stopped the said vehicle with one occupant. This was followed by a search whereby the car was examined using SAPS electronic systems. It was then discovered that the vehicle was reportedly stolen at Boksburg in January 2022 hence the suspect was arrested and charged for possession of suspected stolen property.
The male suspect, Edwin Khumalo appeared before court and his case was postponed for Wednesday, 04 January 2023 for further bail application.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has praised members for their hardwork and vigilance which resulted in the exceptional work which has been achieved. “We will continue to prevent the theft of motor vehicles and make recoveries whenever such vehicles happen to be stolen, even from other provinces hence this great success that has been made” said the General.
