POLOKWANE VCIU ARRESTS THREE SUSPECTS LINKED TO MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT SYNDICATE FOLLOWING INTELLIGENCE DRIVEN OPERATION
POLOKWANE: Members of the Polokwane Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit, in collaboration with Polokwane Crime Prevention, have arrested three suspects aged between 43 and 52 in connection with a motor vehicle theft syndicate operating in Polokwane and surrounding areas.
The arrests follow intensive investigations into a series of motor vehicle theft cases reported in Polokwane, where the syndicate allegedly targeted older models of Toyota Hilux and Nissan 1400 vehicles. More than seven cases of stolen vehicles were reported.
The three suspects were arrested separately during a coordinated intelligence driven operation. A 43-year-old suspect was arrested at Ga Mothapo within the Mankweng policing area. A 48-year-old shop owner was arrested at Ga Molepo, also within the Mankweng policing area, after he was found in possession of a stolen Toyota Hilux, which had allegedly been sold to him. The third suspect, aged 52, was arrested at Ga Maja Kopermyn village within the Lebowakgomo policing area.
The three stolen vehicles were successfully recovered.
The 52-year-old suspect, who has been reportedly out on parole since December 2025, is believed to be the mastermind behind the syndicate.
The trio are expected to appear before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on 23 February 2026.
Police investigations are ongoing.
