Police recover hijacked bakkie, stolen sheep and diesel in OR Tambo

Police in the OR Tambo District have recovered a hijacked bakkie, dozens of stolen sheep and stolen diesel during a series of crime-fighting operations conducted between 24 and 28 May 2026.

According to the South African Police Service, the recoveries were made in Mqanduli, Bhityi and Lusikisiki as police intensified efforts against priority crimes in the district.

OR Tambo District Commissioner Major General Norman Modishana praised officers for their coordinated operations and continued commitment to tackling crime in the region.

In one of the incidents, police, working alongside a private tracking company, recovered a hijacked Toyota bakkie in the Mqanduli central business district on Tuesday, 27 May, at around 14:00.

The vehicle had been reported hijacked in Tsolo on 18 May 2026. Police said the vehicle was traced through a tracking system and a 36-year-old suspect was arrested at the scene. The suspect is expected to appear in the Mqanduli Magistrate’s Court.

In a separate case linked to stock theft, police recovered 31 sheep that had been locked inside an abandoned house at Mphesheya locality in Sithebe A/A near Bhityi.

Preliminary investigations revealed that 38 sheep had been stolen from Buwa locality on the evening of 24 May 2026. While most of the livestock was recovered, no arrests had been made by the time of publication.

Police said members attached to the Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit are continuing with investigations and following up on possible leads.

In Lusikisiki, officers also recovered eighteen 20-litre containers of diesel abandoned at different locations in Lower Hlabathi A/A under the Mtontsasa policing area.

The diesel is believed to have been stolen during an armed robbery at a construction site earlier on Wednesday, 27 May 2026.

Major General Modishana said cooperation between police, private stakeholders and communities remains critical in the fight against crime.

“With this level of commitment from our foot soldiers, and the support from other stakeholders, including communities, police can win the fight against crime,” he said.

Police investigations into the various cases are continuing.