Police seek public assistance in recovering stolen car

By Bahle Gama

Police are appealing to members of the public to come forward with information that could assist in locating a Honda Fit that was stolen from Makholokholo in Mbabane.

The vehicle with registration plate QSD 489 AL, was stolen on February 3. The Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) has issued a notice seeking the public’s assistance in locating the vehicle.

Anyone with information or who may see the vehicle is advised to contact Hhohho RCBO Jabulani Madlopha, Mbabane desk officer Akhona Dludlu or call 999.

The country has over the years experienced a small spike in the theft and hijacking of vehicles. Police have in recent years witnessed an increase in the market of cross-border stolen vehicles.

In June 2022, 36 out of 45 stolen vehicles were reportedly recovered as a result of a collaboration between the REPS and Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF).

On December 29, 2022, Mpumalanga police officers recovered a stolen bakkie that was heading to Eswatini, whereby a 45-year-old man was arrested at the Oshoek border on the South African side.

Different organisations like Business Eswatini also expressed their concern regarding the hijacking of vehicles in the country, stating that “it was noted that there were unscrupulous hijackers in South Africa who seemed to have found a market for cross-border stolen vehicles.”

Last month, EDN reported about a suspect that appeared at the Mbabane Magistrates Court for having stolen E200 000 worth of vehicles at Waterford. These were a grey Toyota Fortuner worth E150 000 and a red BMW at E50 000. 

He was remanded back to police custody pending commitment to the High Court. He will return to court for a remand on Monday, February 6.