Information and images supplied by the Office of the Provincial Commissioner in Mpumalanga.
Image: The truck linked to a reported robbery in Gauteng after it was traced to a property in Belfast
Police in Mpumalanga have arrested two suspects in Belfast after recovering a truck believed to have been stolen during a robbery in Gauteng, along with additional suspected stolen vehicle parts.
According to a media statement issued by the Office of the Provincial Commissioner in Mpumalanga, members from the Middelburg Flying Squad, a tracking company, and the Belfast SAPS acted on information received on Thursday, 29 January 2026. The information pointed to a stolen truck with Mozambican registration plates that had reportedly been hijacked in Elsburg, Gauteng.
Image: Two suspects detained by police during the operation, following the recovery of suspected stolen vehicles and parts
Police followed up on the tip-off and traced the vehicle to a property in Bhekimuzi Masango Drive, Belfast. Upon arrival, officers found two men on the premises working with mechanics. After identifying themselves and receiving consent to search the property, police questioned the men about ownership of the truck. The suspects claimed it belonged to them through a business association. However, checks confirmed the vehicle was positively linked to the earlier robbery, and the rightful owner later identified it. The truck had already been stripped of several parts.
Image: Stripped truck components recovered during the police operation
During the operation, police also recovered eight tyres and other stripped vehicle components, which were booked in as exhibits. Further inspection of the yard revealed additional vehicles. One blue vehicle bearing Mpumalanga registration plates was tested via its VIN number and was confirmed as stolen in Berea, Gauteng, in 1993. That vehicle was also seized for further investigation.
The two suspects, who are foreign nationals from Malawi and Zimbabwe, were arrested on charges of possession of suspected stolen property and contravention of the Immigration Act. They are expected to appear before the Belfast Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 2 February 2026.