A mastermind behind the theft of vehicles and hijacking of trucks has been arrested in Qumbu in the Eastern Cape, the SA Police Service has reported.
The 31-year-old male suspect was nabbed by a tactical response team deployed at Qumbu assisted by Crime Scene Investigation (CSI), the Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit (VCIU), and Qumbu detectives, while they were executing search warrants for unlicensed firearms.
Apart from two pistols and live cartridges found in his possession, stolen property hidden at the home of his older brother was also recovered during the sting.
This ranged from car engines and vehicle parts to vent side light aluminium, patio sliding doors and tyres.
The aluminium property is suspected to have been stolen from a truck that was fully loaded with aluminium products in December last year and reported at Qumbu as a case of attempted murder and hijacking.
The suspect is also linked to a case of murder and car hijacking in Tsolo earlier this month.
He will appear in the Qumbu magistrates' court soon. All firearms will be taken for ballistic tests to ascertain earlier use in commission of crime.