Two foreign nationals were arrested after police in Amersfoort, working closely with local farmers, managed to recover a Toyota Fortuner that had been stolen in KwaZulu-Natal.
According to police, officers received a tip-off from the Rural Safety Partnership, a network of farmers in the area, which helped them track down the Toyota Fortuner 2.4 GD-6 that had been reported stolen in Pinetown in November.
The SUV was spotted on the N11 on Wednesday, already being pursued by farmers. When the suspects realised they were cornered, they abandoned the vehicle and tried to escape on foot.
Police officers, with the support of the farmers, chased them down and arrested the two men, aged 43 and 45. They now face charges of possessing suspected stolen property as well as contravening the Immigration Act.
The suspects are expected to appear in the Amersfoort Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
Mpumalanga’s acting provincial police commissioner, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, praised the teamwork between law enforcement and the farming community, saying it shows how strong partnerships can help in tackling crime across the province.