A police officer dusting the vehicle for possible finger print match
By Kopano Dibakwane
Two suspects from the Kingdom of Eswatini were apprehended on the R570 Road, between Jeppes Reef and Malelane, on Saturday 13 April 2024, while travelling in a Toyota Hilux GD6 bakkie that was reportedly stolen in January 2024 at Bolobedu in Limpopo.
According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Colonel Donald Mdhluli, the suspects who were identified as Mancoba Bongi Dlamini(27) and Siyabonga Thusi(24), were nabbed by members of Border Policing during routine patrol duties which are part of Operation Vala Umgodi.
“ The suspects were charged for possession of a reportedly stolen vehicle and they had their first court appearance on Monday 15 April 2024, at the Nkomazi Magistrate’s Court where they were remanded in custody as the Magistrate postponed the case.
“ At this juncture, police cannot rule out possibilities of adding more charges against the suspects, pending further investigation,” said Mdhluli.
Mpumalanga Provincial Police Commissioner, Lt-General Semakaleng Manamela, said South Africa welcomes any legal foreign national who comes into the country with good intentions. Manamela highlighted a public outcry from communities about numerous vehicles stolen, where some of these vehicles are taken across the borders of South Africa.
“ This country has laws that should be respected as much as people respect laws in their own countries. Police cannot tolerate criminality and we will surely act decisively against those who are involved in crime. So many recoveries of vehicles by the police were made, including this one,” said Manamela.
The two suspects will make their second court appearance on Wednesday 17 April 2024.
