Two Zimbabwean nationals, aged 26 and 37 are expected to appear before Belfast Magistrate’s Court soon following their arrest after they were found in possession of stripped state vehicle’s body parts in Belfast yesterday, Tuesday, 19 November 2024.
According to information, the state vehicle that belongs to the Department of Health was parked in the hospital premises after it was allegedly involved in an accident.
It is alleged that on Monday, 18 November 2024, at about 23h00, security personnel opened the gate for the unknown suspects after allegedly reporting that they were bringing a seriously ill person to hospital.
Immediately after the security personnel opened the gate, the suspects alighted from their vehicle and pointed the two security guards with firearms before tying them with ropes and instructed them to sleep on the floor.
After a while, the security guards managed to untie themselves, and on the premises inspection, they realised that the damaged Toyota Hilux, which had been parked for quite some time, was missing.
The business robbery case was registered at Belfast SAPS, and an investigation was immediately initiated.
An intense investigation comprised of members from Witbank Tactical Response Team, Middleburg Flying Squad and Belfast SAPS led to the arrest of the two foreign nationals that were found in possession of stripped vehicle body parts that matched the robbed vehicle from the hospital.
Some parts were found loaded in one of the suspect’s light delivery vehicle (LDV).
Further information led Police to other surrounding areas where more other parts were found.
The suspects are currently arrested for possession of suspected stolen vehicle body parts, but Police cannot rule out possibilities of adding more charges.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi has commended the men and women in Blue for the job well done as they arrested the suspects and also recovered the suspected stolen properties. “Our team of investigators in collaboration with the Prosecutors will ensure that a strong case is presented in court. We are adamant that the suspects will be convicted so as to show that no one disrespects the state,” said the General.
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