Image: The white Kia pickup truck intercepted on the N11 near Hendrina
Nine suspects have appeared in court following the recovery of suspected stolen property during an early-morning operation near Hendrina. Members of the Middelburg Flying Squad, working with Farm Patrol Securities, intercepted a white Kia pickup travelling along the N11 on 12 February after receiving intelligence about ongoing thefts targeting farms and nearby mining operations.
Image: Six of the nine suspects arrested in connection with the case, pictured next to 12 HDPE pipes recovered from inside the canopy of the Kia pickup.
A search of the vehicle revealed 12 HDPE pipes inside the canopy, with several occupants seated on top of the load. Preliminary investigations indicated that the pipes had been stolen from Optimum Coal Mine, with mine management later confirming the recovered items as their property. Nine suspects, aged between 17 and 38, were arrested and subsequently appeared in the Hendrina Magistrate’s Court on 13 February, where they were granted bail of R500 each. The matter was postponed to 13 March for further investigation.
The VW Caddy where various tobacco products were discovered and confiscated.
In a separate operation on 11 February, Crime Prevention members conducted an operation during social grant payment day in Dirkiesdorp near Piet Retief. Police stopped a white VW Caddy and discovered various tobacco products being transported without the required legal documentation. The goods, valued at approximately R30 000, were confiscated, and the suspect was arrested for illegal trade.
The suspect later appeared in the Piet Retief Magistrate’s Court and remains in custody. The Acting Provincial Commissioner of South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, praised the members involved, saying the arrests highlighted SAPS’ commitment to protecting critical infrastructure and economic activity in the province.