Cape Town – Three Mozambican nationals, who were arrested after they were found in possession of 600 litres of diesel, appeared at the Middelburg Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
Antonio Munguambe, 28, Rivage Alzido Juliao, 26, and Tali Alberte, 25 were arrested during a routine patrol conducted by Middelburg’s Crime Prevention Unit at Vaalbank Village outside Middelburg, police said in a statement.
During the patrol police spotted a suspicious-looking white Toyota Hilux with three male occupants inside, said Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala.
“The vehicle was stopped then a search was conducted whereby 25 litre containers filled with diesel were discovered inside the said car. The total number of containers found were 24,” Mohlala said.
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The suspects failed to provide proof of purchase nor a clear explanation of the owner of the fuel, he said.
Police arrested the suspects and confiscated the diesel and the vehicle used during the commission of the crime for further investigation.
The three men were charged with possession of suspected stolen properties.
Their matter was postponed to December 6, 2022 for a formal bail application.
Police were working in collaboration with the department of Home Affairs to ascertain their status in the country, said Mohlala.
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Compiled by Olwethu Mpeshe
