LISWATI IN SA HIJACKING SYNDICATE ARRESTED

MBABANE - Reports of emaSwati believed to be part of a hijacking syndicate operating between South Africa and Eswatini continue to emerge.

The latest report is that of a 37-year-old liSwati, who has been arrested by the South African Police Service (SAPS), Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department, and the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC). The operation was initiated after the team received information about a syndicate that allegedly hijacks and steals vehicles in South Africa and transport them to Eswatini.

Intelligence

Acting on this intelligence, the team raided a house in Kibler Park, south of Johannesburg. ‍Upon arrival, the police are said to have  discovered four vehicles in the yard: A Toyota Fortuner reportedly hijacked in Jeppe, an Isuzu bakkie hijacked in Heidelberg, a tampered BMW and a Land Rover Discovery. It was said that these findings were vital in linking the vehicles to the hijacking operations.  According to SAPS, further investigations inside the house found various tools and documents pointing to the syndicate’s operations. Police found multiple Eswatini registration plates, car registration documents from Eswatini, homemade vehicle identification numbers (VINs), and stencils used for printing the VINs.

These items are reportedly vital in establishing the extent of the illegal activities. In a statement issued by the SAPS, Lieutenant Colonel Masondo stated that the 37-year-old liSwati, who was present in the house, was arrested and charged with possession of hijacked motor vehicles. Lieutenant Colonel Masondo indicated that more arrests were imminent as the investigation continues to unfold.In another case, last Monday, there was an exchange of fire at Shewula, as members of the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) recovered four vehicles, with South African registration numbers, which were in the process of being smuggled into Mozambique.

The vehicles were a white Toyota Prado with registration number CTJ 015 MP, white Toyota Fortuner registered KXN 571 MP, white Prado registered KVF 938 MP and a Maroon Toyota Legend with plate number KNF 329 MP. The individuals, who are suspected to be part of the hijacking syndicate operating between South Africa, Eswatini and Mozambique, reportedly fled the scene, leaving behind the exhibits.

Recovered

Meanwhile, around March, soldiers manning the border recovered two cars, a Toyota Prado valued at E600 000 and a Toyota Fortuner, also valued at E600 000. Both cars had South African registration plates and were allegedly being smuggled into the country. The duo of Mciniseli Matimba (48) of Siyendle and Vusi Jele (45) of Zombodze were apprehended by soldiers as they allegedly tried to drive into the country. One car (Prado) had already been smuggled into the country as it was found around Sidwala. It was stolen on March 22, 2024, while the Fortuner was stolen on March 24, 2024 and was discovered around Sicunusa.In another case, in April 2024, two   emaSwati  aged 24 and 27 appeared at the Nkomazi Magistrates Court in Tonga on April 17, 2024, after  they were aprehended  by members of SAPS  upon being found in possession of a vehicle which was reported stolen.

Charged

The suspects, identified as Mancoba Bongi Dlamini (27) and Siyabonga Thusi (24), were charged with possession of a stolen vehicle and they appeared at the Nkomazi Magistrates Court on Monday, April 15, 2024, where they were remanded in custody. Last year, three emaSwati and one South African were arrested in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), in connection with car hijacking. The quartet was arrested by Reaction officers. According to reports sourced from Car Trac website, in South Africa almost 60 vehicles are stolen each day and some of them are taken across the neighbouring countries’ borders like Mozambique, Eswatini, Zimbabwe and Botswana. As per the report, vehicles are  now being recovered in countries outside of South Africa, either resold to new owners or stripped down to the engine.

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: