A 41-year-old Mozambican national, linked to multiple vehicle theft and hijacking cases, has been arrested in Emanguzi, KwaZulu-Natal. The suspect, described as a serial offender, was previously convicted in five separate cases in Gauteng and Mpumalanga.
According to a media statement released by Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk of the South African Police Service (SAPS), the arrest was made on Monday, 17 March 2025, by the Emanguzi Task Team. The team intercepted the suspect while he was driving a stolen truck with two trailers along the R22 road in Thandizwe, Emanguzi.
“Upon inspection, the team discovered that the truck had false number plates from a neighbouring country,” Van Wyk stated. Further investigation revealed that the vehicle was positively linked to a truck hijacking case reported to SAPS Nigel in March 2025.
The suspect was out on bail at the time of his arrest for two other cases involving similar crimes in Alberton and Bedfordview, including possession of a presumed stolen vehicle and truck hijacking.
Van Wyk emphasized that the arrest is part of a broader national intervention to combat cross-border crimes along the northern border of KwaZulu-Natal. The initiative involves SAPS members from various disciplines, including crime intelligence, proactive and reactive policing units, and detectives.
“Identified cross-border crimes include theft of motor vehicles, house robberies, business robberies, hijacking of vehicles, murder, and attempted murder,” she added.
The suspect is expected to face multiple charges related to vehicle theft and hijacking.