KEY POINTS
- A Mozambican man was rearrested for truck theft and hijacking.
- The suspect was found with a stolen vehicle and trailers in Emanguzi.
- SAPS continues to target cross-border crime and vehicle hijacking syndicates.
A 41-year-old Mozambican man, who has a history of truck hijacking, has been rearrested in KwaZulu-Natal.
The suspect, previously convicted for similar crimes in Gauteng and Mpumalanga, was caught in Emanguzi with a stolen truck and two trailers.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk, the South African Police Service (SAPS) stopped the man along the Thandizwe route on the R22 in Emanguzi for a routine vehicle inspection.
During the check, officers discovered false number plates on the truck, which led to immediate suspicions.
Further investigation revealed that the truck had been involved in a hijacking in Nigel, Johannesburg, in March 2025.
At the time of his arrest, the suspect was out on bail for two other similar crimes, including vehicle theft and truck hijacking.
Cross-border crime initiative targets hijacking syndicates
The Hawks, South Africa’s elite crime-fighting unit, have been actively addressing cross-border crimes such as vehicle theft, robberies, and hijacking.
Warrant Officer Zinzi Hani, a Hawks spokesperson, confirmed that the SAPS national intervention aims to address a range of criminal activities, including murder and attempted murder.
The initiative involves collaboration between crime intelligence officers, pro-active policing units, and detectives from across the country.
According to IOL, authorities are determined to crack down on criminal syndicates operating in South Africa and neighboring countries.
SAPS continues to tackle rising hijackings and violent crime
Vehicle hijacking has been a significant issue in South Africa, especially in provinces like KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.
Authorities continue to face challenges in curbing the widespread criminal activities. However, they are hopeful that enhanced operations, like the one targeting the Mozambican suspect, will yield results.
Meanwhile, in a separate investigation, police made arrests related to a hijacking and murder case in Avoca Hills, KwaZulu-Natal, following a tip-off.
Two suspects have been charged in the death of a 52-year-old man. His vehicle was stolen after he was shot in a violent robbery.
