Mpumalanga police have recovered power transformers worth more than R6 million after an intelligence-led operation resulted in the interception of a hijacked truck and the arrest of a 34-year-old Mozambican national.
The operation was carried out by the Ehlanzeni Anti-Hijacking Task Team together with members of Ngodwana SAPS on Tuesday afternoon.
Police said the breakthrough followed information indicating that a truck carrying suspected stolen electrical equipment was travelling along Schoemanskloof Road towards Nelspruit.
Officers responded to the information and identified the vehicle before carrying out a tactical stop.
Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, the provincial police spokesperson, said preliminary investigations indicated that the truck had allegedly been stolen in Devon, Gauteng.
A subsequent search of the vehicle led officers to the power transformers, which were believed to have been stolen.
The suspect was arrested during the operation and is facing charges relating to possession of a suspected stolen motor vehicle and suspected stolen property.
Intelligence-led operation leads to major recovery
The latest recovery highlights the role of intelligence in tackling hijackings and the theft of valuable infrastructure and equipment.
Police have not disclosed the circumstances surrounding the original hijacking in Devon, while investigations into the origin and intended destination of the transformers are continuing.
The arrested man’s immigration status is also being established.
Ndubane said police were working with officials from the Department of Home Affairs to verify the suspect’s status.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court.
Mpumalanga Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise commended the Ehlanzeni Anti-Hijacking Task Team and Ngodwana SAPS members for acting quickly on the intelligence.
Modise said police would continue working with other law-enforcement agencies to prevent and combat criminal activity across the province.
The operation comes as police continue to face organised criminal activity involving vehicle hijackings and the theft of high-value goods.
Recovering electrical infrastructure is particularly important because stolen transformers and other equipment can disrupt electricity supply while generating significant profits for criminal networks.
Community tips help police arrest murder suspect
In a separate case, cooperation between police, the media and members of the public helped authorities locate and arrest a wanted murder suspect within hours of a public appeal.
Police had released the photograph of 27-year-old Simiso Silomo Phakathi, who was wanted in connection with the alleged murder of his girlfriend in Soweto.
Members of the public in Joubertina, Klerksdorp, responded to the appeal and provided information that helped police track down the suspect.
Phakathi was arrested on Wednesday, 19 August 2026.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said Acting National Police Commissioner Puleng Dimpane welcomed the swift response from the community.
According to Mathe, Dimpane viewed the arrest as an example of how public vigilance and media cooperation can assist law enforcement in locating people wanted for serious crimes.
The police leadership has repeatedly encouraged members of the public to share credible information that could assist investigations, while stressing that such information should be passed through appropriate law-enforcement channels.
In the two cases, police said intelligence, rapid operational responses and cooperation with other stakeholders played a central role in securing arrests and recovering suspected stolen property.