LIMPOPO POLICE THWART VEHICLE SMUGGLING WORTH R1.4 MILLION AND ARREST THREE SUSPECTS
POLOKWANE: The Police in Limpopo achieved a significant breakthrough with the recovery of two vehicles valued at approximately R1.4 million destined to be smuggled across the Beitbridge Port of Entry into Zimbabwe on Sunday, 18 May 2025.
In a co-ordinated anti-smuggling operation involving SAPS Anti-Smuggling Team, Tshimollo Security and Investigation, and Reflex Anti-Hijacking Security, the officers intercepted a Toyota Hilux GD6 double cab on the R101 near Polokwane weighbridge. During the stop, one male suspect fled into nearby bushes, while two female suspects attempted to escape but were apprehended after a foot chase. The female suspects, aged 19 and 20, were arrested and are facing charges of possession of a suspected stolen motor vehicle.
Preliminary investigations confirmed that the vehicle was stolen on Friday, 16 May 2025 in the Garsfontein policing area in Pretoria, Gauteng province.
In a separate but related intelligence-driven operation, officers intercepted a Toyota Corolla Cross at Mokopane CBD on the R101, also en route to the Beitbridge Port of Entry. Investigations revealed that this vehicle had been reported stolen at the Wierdabrug policing area on Friday. The driver, a 34-year-old undocumented foreign national was arrested.
Both suspects arrested with the Toyota Hilux will appear before the Polokwane Magistrate Court on Tuesday, 20 May 2025, while the suspect arrested with the Toyota Corolla Cross will appear before the Mokopane Magistrate Court on the same day.
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has commended the operational teams for their relentless efforts, resulting in the recovery of the stolen vehicles.
