LIMPOPO POLICE SMASH CROSS-BORDER VEHICLE THEFT SYNDICATE FOLLOWING FIVE MOZAMBICAN NATIONALS ARRESTED AND STOLEN VEHICLES RECOVERED
POLOKWANE – A high level intelligence-driven operation has dealt a major blow to a sophisticated cross-border vehicle theft syndicate operating between Limpopo, Gauteng, Mozambique and Zimbabwe resulting in the arrest of five Mozambican nationals and the recovery of stolen vehicles in Polokwane.
The joint operation was executed by the Provincial Tracking Team, Provincial Investigation Unit and Polokwane Vehicle Crimes Unit (VCIU), Limpopo Highway Patrol with the support from Tracker Connect and Tshimollo Security.
Investigations followed credible intelligence that a syndicate of foreign nationals was systematically targeting Isuzu bakkies and high-profile 4x4s, including Toyota models across Seshego, Mankweng, Lebowakgomo, Polokwane and Westenburg policing areas.
The suspects allegedly used devices to disable vehicle tracking units. Once disabled, the vehicles were driven to Gauteng Province. False registration documents were then created before the vehicles were smuggled to Mozambique via the Lebombo Port of Entry (POE) and Zimbabwe through Beit-Bridge POE.
Further information placed members of the syndicate at residences in Ladanna and Greenside, Extension 71 and 78 outside Polokwane.
On Tuesday, 28 April, until 29 Wednesday, 2026, operational teams stormed the identified premises and recovered two stolen motor vehicles comprising a Toyota Corolla and Toyota Tazz were reportedly stolen in Seshego during February 2026.
A generator stolen when one of the Isuzu bakkies was stolen was also recovered inside the house along with an assortment of breaking tools.
Five Mozambican nationals aged between 26 and 42 were apprehended at the scenes, and it was established that the suspects are in the country illegally.
Preliminary investigations have positively linked the suspects with twenty-two (22) cases of theft of motor vehicles committed between December 2024 and April 2026.
The suspects are scheduled to appear before Seshego and Polokwane Magistrate courts on Thursday, 30 April 2026, facing charges of theft of motor vehicles, possession of suspected stolen goods and Contravention of the Immigration Act.
“I commend all teams involved in this sterling, intelligence-driven operation. Positive work has linked these suspects to more than 20 bakkie thefts and this sent a clear message to syndicates that Limpopo province will not be a haven for organized crime.” concluded the Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe.
Police investigations are continuing.
