Serial Offender Arrested by Police While Driving Stolen Truck with Counterfeit License Plates

Durban – Authorities have apprehended a suspect linked to a series of “vehicle theft and hijacking” incidents in Emanguzi, KwaZulu-Natal.

On Wednesday, (19 March 2025), police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk confirmed that the serial offender had previous arrests and convictions in five distinct cases across Gauteng and Mpumalanga.

“On Monday, (17 March 2025), the Emanguzi Task Team took the 41-year-old suspect, a Mozambican national, into custody and confiscated a stolen truck along with two trailers,” reported Lieutenant Colonel Van Wyk.

“The initial investigation indicated that the suspect was driving along Thandizwe, R22 Emanguzi when officers halted the vehicle for inspection.”

“During the inspection, the team uncovered that the truck bore counterfeit number plates from a neighboring country.”

Lieutenant Colonel Van Wyk noted that further inquiries linked the truck to a reported hijacking incident.

The truck had been reported stolen to the SA Police Service (SAPS) in Nigel earlier this month.

“At the time of his arrest, the suspect was on bail for two other related cases involving similar crimes committed in Alberton and Bedfordview, which include possession of a presumed stolen vehicle and truck hijacking,” stated Lieutenant Colonel Van Wyk.

“In a dedicated effort to combat cross-border crime along the northern border of KZN, a national intervention has been launched, involving SAPS members from various sectors including crime intelligence, proactive and reactive policing units, and detectives.

“The identified cross-border crimes encompass, among others, vehicle theft, house robberies, business heists, vehicle hijacking, murder, and attempted murder.”

The suspect is expected to appear in court shortly.