Two Zimbabwean nationals in court for possession of stripped state vehicle’s body parts

Share the Article:

Two Zimbabwean nationals are expected to appear before Belfast magistrate’s court soon.

This follows the arrest of the duo, aged 26 and 37, after they were found in possession of stripped state vehicle’s body parts in Belfast on Tuesday.

According to the police, 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, 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,” Mpumalanga police spokesperson Captain Magonseni Nkosi explained.

He also stated that the business robbery case was registered at Belfast SAPS, and an investigation was immediately initiated.

More charges to be added against the two Zimbabwean nationals

Nkosi added that 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.

He added; “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.”

Meanwhile, the acting provincial commissioner, Zeph Mkhwanazi has commended the men and women in blue for arresting the suspects and also recovering the suspected stolen properties.

ALSO READ | 18 corrupt Home Affairs officials sacked

“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,” Mkhwanazi concluded.