Cops nab trio with R2 million stolen groceries on N1

groceries

Free State – Free State police have arrested three suspects and recovered a truckload of stolen groceries worth about R2 million following a late-night interception along the N1 near Parys.

According to police spokesperson Sergeant Josephine Rani, the arrests were made on Thursday night, 23 October 2025, during a joint operation between Sasolburg Highway Patrol Relief D and Kroonstad Highway Patrol Relief C.

“At about 22:30, Sasolburg highway patrol members spotted a truck on the side of the N1 with the driver connecting trailers in the dark,” Rani said. “Upon investigation, the driver could not produce an invoice for the load or the truck.”

Police contacted the registered owner of the truck, who confirmed that the groceries belonged to him but said his truck’s head was a Volvo — not a MAN, the model found at the scene.

“The 31-year-old suspect was immediately arrested and charged with possession of suspected stolen property,” Rani added.

The load of mixed groceries, valued at approximately R2 million, was recovered.

After the initial arrest, the Sasolburg team alerted their Kroonstad counterparts to be on the lookout for the missing Volvo truck head.

“The Kroonstad Highway Patrol soon spotted the truck head with two male occupants matching the description,” Rani said.

“Both men, aged 33 and 39, were arrested and charged with possession of suspected stolen property.”

The three suspects are expected to appear before the Kroonstad and Parys Magistrate’s Courts soon.

“The South African Police Service commends the teamwork and swift coordination between the two highway patrol units,” said Rani.

“Their vigilance led to the recovery of stolen goods and the arrest of those responsible.”

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