PLANS to avoid police operations were foiled as two men, aged 25 and 43, were arrested for being in possession of stolen cars.
According to Mpumalanga police spokesman Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, the suspects tried to avoid police operations by opting for the holidaymakers’ routes in the Kruger National Park.
He said the men were arrested on Sunday, 25 December, for possession of stolen vehicles.
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Mohlala said the men entered the park via Numbi gate. Cops suspect the two were trying to avoid police operations on the N4, and possibly aiming to exit the park either via Malelane or Komatipoort gates.
He said they decided to spend some time at the Afsaal picnic area, not knowing that Tracker had already picked up the signal for one of the vehicles.
“Tracker alerted police and SanParks security personnel who intercepted one of the vehicles. Upon interception, the suspect would not go down alone. He revealed that there was a second stolen vehicle in the picnic area and that led to the arrest of the second suspect,” said Mohlala.
Mohlala said both vehicles, Toyota Hilux extended cabs, were reported stolen in Delmas and Daveyton earlier this month.
Mohlala said the stolen vehicles were already fitted with false registration plates.
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“The suspects are expected to make their first court appearance on Wednesday, 28 December, for possession of stolen vehicles. Police can’t rule out possibilities of adding other charges as the investigation continues,” he said.
Mpumalanga police commissioner Lieutenant-General Semakaleng Manamela has hailed the partnership displayed by different disciplines that led to the arrest of the suspects and the recovery of the stolen vehicles.
She further warned criminals that they can try to evade the police, but they can’t hide.
“Our members are deployed in all corners of the province. Tourists and locals’ safety will remain our top priority,” said Manamela.
