….As Suspect is Apprehended in Limpopo
By Delicious Mathuthu
As efforts to end vehicle smuggling out of South Africa continue, South African Police Service’s (SAPS) Anti-Smuggling Task Team successfully intercepted a Zimbabwe bound stolen motor vehicle and took a suspect into custody on Monday (August 5, 2024) after receiving a tip.
In a statement, SAPS’s Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said authorities received intel about a suspicious Toyota Fortuner traveling from Gauteng to Musina and reacted.
“Police received information about a white Toyota Fortuner that was traveling from Gauteng Province to Musina in the Vhembe District.
“The police reacted swiftly and commenced with the investigations to locate the motor vehicle that was spotted driving along the N1 north public road next to a farm outside Polokwane.
“The motor vehicle with one occupant was stopped and an investigation was conducted about its origin,” Col. Ledwaba said
“Police discovered that the motor vehicle was reported stolen last month on 31 July 2024 at Wierdabrug in Pretoria, Gauteng Province.”
The sole occupant, a 44-year-old male, was arrested and charged with possession of a stolen vehicle.
Results from initial investigations suggest that the stolen car was destined for Zimbabwe.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the motor vehicle was intended to be smuggled into Zimbabwe via Beitbridge border post,” said Col. Ledwaba.
The suspect is set to appear in the Polokwane Magistrate Court charged with possessing of stolen motor vehicle, with further investigations underway.
