Two vehicle smugglers who pretended to be holidaymakers were arrested on a leisurely drive through the Kruger National Park on Christmas Day while trying to avoid police roadblocks on major routes.
In a statement, police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala said the suspects aged 25 and 43 were arrested in possession of stolen vehicles.
‘It is alleged that after entering the park via Numbi gate with the suspicion of avoiding police operations on the N4 and possibly aimed at exiting the park either via Malelane or Komatipoort gates.
‘Feeling freedom at the park, they decided to spend some time at the Afsaal picnic area. Unknowingly that tracker has already picked up the signal for one of the vehicles.
‘Tracker alerted police and San Park security personnel who intercepted one of the vehicles. Upon interception, the suspect would not go down alone, but he revealed that there was a second stolen vehicle in the picnic area and that led to the arrest of the second suspect,’ Mohlala said.
He said that the vehicles – Toyota Hilux extended cabs – were reported stolen in Delmas and Daveyton in December 2022.
They had already been fitted with false registration plates.
Mohlala said the suspects were expected to make their first court appearance on Wednesday, December 28.
“Police can’t rule out possibilities of adding other charges as the investigation continues,” Mohlala concluded.
Picture: Getaway Gallery
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