FARM ROBBERY SUSPECT ARRESTED AND STOLEN PROPERTY RECOVERED IN MULTI-UNIT OPERATION
With assistance from a tracking company, law enforcement officers traced the stolen Ford Ranger, the BMW, and a silver Mazda allegedly used by the suspects on the R42 between Bronkhorstspruit and Delmas. A high-speed chase ensued, during which the suspects abandoned the BMW.
EZOMPHAKATHI
NELSPRUIT – 17 AUGUST 2025 – A swift and coordinated multi-disciplinary police operation in Nkangala District has led to the arrest of a suspect and the recovery of stolen property following a violent farm robbery in Delmas. The operation was executed in the early hours of Thursday, 14 August 2025.
According to police, five armed suspects stormed a farm near the Kusile Power Station, making off with a silver Ford Ranger Club Cab, eleven sheep, a generator, a fridge, jumper cables, a silver BMW loaded with 50 egg-laying chickens, and five cellphones.
With assistance from a tracking company, law enforcement officers traced the stolen Ford Ranger, the BMW, and a silver Mazda allegedly used by the suspects on the R42 between Bronkhorstspruit and Delmas. A high-speed chase ensued, during which the suspects abandoned the BMW.
While officers secured the abandoned vehicle, others pursued the Ford Ranger. The chase intensified when a Mazda Etude attempted to block police, eventually crashing and enabling officers to continue. The Ford Ranger was later recovered in eTwatwa, Daveyton (Gauteng), with all 11 sheep and 50 chickens still inside, after the suspects fled on foot.
Further investigation led to the arrest of a 35-year-old Mozambican national, who was allegedly driving the Mazda Etude. A follow-up operation in Bronkhorstspruit resulted in the recovery of additional stolen property, including a generator, jumper cables, a fridge, and a blank firearm with ammunition.
The suspect has been charged with house robbery and contravention of the Immigration Act. He is expected to appear before the Delmas Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 18 August 2025. Police say additional charges may follow as investigations continue.
Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr.) Zeph Mkhwanazi, praised the joint effort, saying:
“This operation demonstrates the importance of collaboration between different police units and private partners. The swift recovery of stolen property and the arrest of a suspect reflect our commitment to fighting serious and violent crimes.”