Police have recovered the white and red Mercedes truck that was stolen in Matsapha earlier this week, but eight tyres are now missing, the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) has confirmed.
The truck, registered LSD 233 DH, was found in Mhlume on December 30, 2025, the same day it was reported stolen from Thomas Tyres near Ruchi in Matsapha. The vehicle had gone missing at around 07:40 after a suspect allegedly posed as the driver and persuaded security officers to release the keys.
REPS said investigations have since established that the suspect drove the truck to a tyre repair shop in Mhlume, where he requested the removal of all the rear tyres. A mini truck later arrived at the premises and loaded the tyres before driving away. The suspect reportedly left the Mercedes truck and its keys at the repair shop, claiming he would return with replacement tyres.
Staff at the repair shop became suspicious after seeing images of the stolen truck circulating on social media and immediately alerted the police, leading to the recovery of the vehicle.
Police are now intensifying efforts to trace the suspect or suspects involved and to recover the stolen tyres. Members of the public with information that may assist the investigation have been urged to contact Manzini RCBO Senior Superintendent Thabo Hlophe on 7606 8570, Matsapha Desk Officer Inspector Langa on 7668 6833, or call the emergency numbers 999, 9999 or 112.
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