The truck and trailer at the scene where it was recovered. Pic supplied
Gauteng police have recovered a stolen trailer and truck in Heidelberg after a victim of load theft identified it.
It is suspected that the vehicles were used in several load theft cases around the country.
The truck which is also suspected to be stolen had different sets of number plates hidden inside.
After being circulated on social media platforms, a vigilant trucker saw the truck along Heidelberg road and alerted the victim.
SAPS Flying Squad was alerted and descended on the scene where the truck was parked.
Unfortunately, the driver disappeared after catching sight of the approaching cops.
When the victim arrived at the scene, he positively identified the truck as the one that stole his 34 ton load of maize meal back in February.
It is alleged that the owner of the truck was paid R50 000 as a half down payment for him to transport the maize meal to DRC but instead the truck just vanished with the load.
When the victim contacted the transporter he started giving excuses, and even went further to ask for the balance of payment before he could deliver the load.
Eventually, the transporter stopped taking his calls and attempts to track him were fruitless.
The alleged scam transporter is suspected to be using different names, Khahil, Muhammad and sometimes Ali.
On Wednesday, the victim received a call after the truck was spotted and when he got at the scene he positively matched the truck with the one captured on CCTV at a Nigel Milling company before disappearing with the load.
Police are looking for the alleged owner of the truck and driver with last known details as below:
Transporter: Alcatel Logistics
Owner: MR Khahil
Cell nr: 064 201 0931
Driver: Victor Mpemberera
Cell nr: 067 731 9683
SAPS MUIZENBERG reference number CAS 88/5/2020
Station contact detail: 021-7879000
The suspects’ contact numbers have since gone quiet after the truck was recovered.
Please Contact Captain Salimani on +27 82 822 6657 from Gauteng Provincial Anti-hijacking Unit if you have any information in connection with this case.
SA Trucker urges all players in the trucking industry to help bring the perpetrators to book. By looking up these numbers in your contacts you may find that you were about to deal with them. Let’s stop them before they hit anyone else, the industry is bleeding enough already. You can send a message to SA Trucker WhatsApp number +2784 717 8431 to give anonymous tips.
