The relentless Limpopo Anti-Smuggling Tracking Team has arrested a 42-year-old suspect and recovered a high-end vehicle valued at more than R600,000 during a targeted operation near the Beitbridge border.
Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba confirmed that the arrest was part of an ongoing crackdown on cross-border vehicle smuggling syndicates operating between South Africa and neighbouring countries.
“On Wednesday, November 12, the members of the Provincial Tracking Team in collaboration with Tshimollo private security company, and Shadowsecure security received intelligence information about a white Toyota Corolla cross coming from Gauteng province heading to Limpopo Musina Beitbridge border post to be smuggled out of the country.”
Ledwaba said the team acted on the intelligence tip, keeping the vehicle under surveillance in Mokopane town. The car, matching the description, was spotted along the R101 and intercepted. The driver could not provide a satisfactory explanation for ownership.
“The driver failed to provide a satisfactory response on ownership of the vehicle. The vehicle was tested and found to be reported stolen on Tuesday, November 11, at Lenasia SAPS Gauteng province,” he said.
Ledwaba added that the suspect was taken into custody immediately and is expected to appear before Mokopane Magistrate’s Court on Friday, November 14, facing charges of possession of a suspected stolen vehicle.
Meanwhile, Limpopo Provincial Commissioner of Police, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, commended the coordinated efforts and teamwork by external forces and the recovery of the vehicle.
The Star