In a decisive crackdown on cross-border crime, the Anti-Smuggling Team in Limpopo intercepted a stolen luxury vehicle bound for illegal export. This is a blow to smuggling syndicates operating across borders.

Limpopo provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba, confirmed that the anti-smuggling operation was carried out along the N1 North, near Peter Mokaba Stadium. This followed intelligence indicating that a stolen Toyota Fortuner VX was being transported from Gauteng towards the Beitbridge Port of Entry for illegal export.

Mashaba added that when officers stopped and searched the vehicle, they verified that it had been stolen from Pretoria Central over the weekend, leading to the immediate arrest of the driver.

“The Toyota Fortuner had been reported stolen over the weekend at Pretoria Central. The driver, a 43-year-old South African male, was immediately arrested. The vehicle, valued at R800,000, was seized as part of the investigation.”

The successful operation was carried out by the Anti-Smuggling Team, Polokwane LCRC, and external law enforcement partners from Tshimollo Security and Investigation, who were tasked with monitoring the suspected vehicle.

The 43-year-old suspect is set to appear in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, where he will face charges of possession of a suspected stolen motor vehicle.

Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe applauded the operational teams for their prompt actions and the successful recovery of the stolen vehicle.

“This operational success highlights the effectiveness of intelligence-driven policing and the strong partnerships we have with various role players. The swift action of our officers and partners prevented a high-value vehicle from being smuggled out of the country and dismantled a smuggling network,” she said.

The Star

masabata.mkwananzi@inl.co.za