Police in Limpopo have during their anti smuggling operations managed to intercept two vehicles stolen from Pretoria from being smuggled out of the country.
The two vehicles, one worth R4 million, belonging to a member of parliament were intercepted on two separate operations.
On August 8, a Toyota Prado VX reported stolen in Pretoria on August 5 was recovered en route to being smuggled out of the country, according to police.
Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said a 32-year-old man was arrested for possession of the presumed stolen motor vehicle.
Ledwaba said Limpopo police arrested the man after he was caught allegedly smuggling the vehicle out of the country to Zimbabwe through the Beitbridge border.
He said the suspect was intercepted on Thursday after the vehicle was spotted on the R37 from Lebowakgomo to Polokwane.
“The vehicle was reported stolen on Monday, August 5 in the Villieria policing area in Pretoria.”
“The police stopped the vehicle and upon searching it, the driver – who is a South African – was unable to produce the valid documents [for] the vehicle,” said Ledwaba.
Ledwaba said the arrest was made during a coordinated operation as a continued effort to combat the illegal smuggling of vehicles across borders.
According to Ledwaba, the suspect will appear in the Thabamoopo Magistrate’s Court on August 12.
He said the value of the Toyota Prado is estimated at R900 000.
Limpopo police commissioner Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe welcomed the arrest and commended the members for their endless effort in the fight against crime.
Meanwhile police recovered another Toyota Land Cruiser stolen from Menlyn Mall in the east of Pretoria during a recent anti-smuggling operations.
The vehicle, worth R4 million, was intercepted en route to Zimbabwe and is said to belong to a member of Parliament.
According to Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe, the high-value vehicle was taken from the mall’s parking lot on Wednesday, August 7.
It was found on the same day in Lebowakgomo, a town outside Polokwane in Limpopo.
Hadebe said the incident unfolded rapidly after the vehicle’s theft was reported, stating “This quick action was crucial in recovering the luxury vehicle and apprehending a suspect in connection with the theft.”
Hadebe mentioned that a 42-year-old Zimbabwean national was arrested and is currently in custody.
“The individual now faces charges related to the possession of a suspected stolen vehicle and violations of the Immigration Act.
“The vehicle belonged to a member of parliament,” said Hadebe.
Hadebe said the suspect is expected to appear in court on Monday, where further proceedings will determine the next steps in the legal process.
This recent case mirrors a similar event from July 31, when another stolen vehicle, a Toyota Fortuner taken in Wierdabrug, Centurion was intercepted on its way to Zimbabwe.
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