Police in Mpumalanga have arrested several suspects for possession of suspected stolen motor vehicles and a motorcycle during operations conducted along the N4 between 08 and 11 January 2026.
The first incident occurred on 11 January 2026 at approximately 14:00. Members from SAPS Waterval Boven were conducting routine patrols along the N4 between Machado Toll Plaza and Waterval Boven when they received information regarding a taxi with Mozambican registration numbers allegedly transporting a stolen motorcycle.
Police conducted stop-and-search operations focusing on Mozambican-registered taxis. During the operation, a white Toyota Quantum (Baby Quantum) matching the description was stopped and searched.
Upon inspection of the trailer, police discovered stripped Big Boy motorcycle parts concealed under bags of potatoes. Additional motorcycle parts were found hidden inside a black container. The vehicle was occupied by two male suspects.
Both suspects were arrested for possession of suspected stolen property. They were identified as:
• Sitefane Hani Zimba (29)
• Jeofris Jorge Nhuvunga (25)
(both Mozambican nationals)
Preliminary investigations revealed that the motorcycle was stolen in Protea Glen, Soweto, and the suspects were allegedly en route to Mozambique.
The suspects appeared before the Belfast Periodical Court on 12 January 2026. The case was postponed to 28 January 2026 for legal aid applications. Both suspects were remanded in custody.
Meanwhile, an additional vehicle was intercepted on 10 January 2026 in Belfast.
At approximately 15:30, a multidisciplinary team comprising the Middelburg Flying Squad, Machadodorp Community Policing Forum (CPF), and a tracking company dealt with a case involving a Toyota Fortuner fitted with Gauteng registration plates. The vehicle was reported stolen in Wierdabrug, Centurion, Pretoria.
With assistance from the tracking company, the vehicle was spotted on the R540 road. A chase ensued, leading to Madala location in Belfast, where the vehicle tested positive as stolen. The driver was arrested for possession of a suspected stolen motor vehicle.
The suspect, Murendeni Nekhubvi (30), appeared before the Belfast Magistrate’s Court on 12 January 2026 and was granted R5 000 bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for 02 February 2026.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, applauded the SAPS members, tracking companies, and Community Policing Forums for their dedication and collaborative efforts.
He reiterated that Mpumalanga will not be used as a transit route for stolen vehicles and warned criminals that law enforcement agencies remain vigilant and committed to combating vehicle-related crimes.