A multidisciplinary operation led by members of the Provincial Anti-Hijacking Task Team in Ehlanzeni resulted in the successful recovery of a #hijacked Ford Ranger in the Nkomazi area on Thursday, 14 May 2026 at approximately 21:00.
The operation comprised members from the Provincial Anti-Hijacking Task Team Ehlanzeni, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), Tonga Visible Policing (Vispol), as well as a vehicle tracking company.
According to information received, members were busy performing tracking and tracing duties when they were alerted about a grey Ford Ranger with Gauteng registration number that had allegedly been hijacked in the Nelspruit area.
The information was immediately operationalised, and the tracking company confirmed that the tracking device fitted in the vehicle was still active. Further information indicated that the vehicle was moving within the Nkomazi policing area, near the Kingdom of Eswatini and
Mozambique borders in Mbuzini, and was suspected to be en route for possible cross-border smuggling.
Members swiftly proceeded to the identified area and, during the operation at Mananga Village, the vehicle was found abandoned in the middle of the road. The vehicle was tactically approached; however, no occupants were found inside, and the keys were missing.
The owner of the vehicle was contacted and later positively identified the recovered Ford Ranger. The vehicle was subsequently transported to the police station for safekeeping and further investigation.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi, commended the operational members and all stakeholders involved for their swift response and coordinated efforts.