POLOKWANE -Vigilant Limpopo police have arrested a 44-year-old Zimbabwean national in connection with smuggling a high-end stolen vehicle after a high-speed chase in the early hours on Tuesday. Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba confirmed the arrest of the suspected smuggler and the recovery of a white Toyota Corolla Cross GR Sport with an estimated value of R600 000.
The suspected vehicle smuggler is expected to appear before the Makhado Magistrates’ Court today – Wednesday, facing charges including possession of a suspected stolen motor vehicle and reckless and negligent driving. Members of the Provincial Police Tracking Team and the Provincial Investigation Unit managed to corner the fleeing suspect in the Makhado policing area.

Mashaba said the joint operation that led to the success involved external partners, including Limpopo Tactical, Tshimollo Security and Investigations, Tracker Connect, Makhado Defendum and Elti Security Makhado. He said crucial information was received about the suspect driving the stolen car towards the South Africa-Zimbabwe border post.

“Information was received that a vehicle stolen in Gauteng province was being driven towards the Beitbridge Port of Entry with the intention of smuggling it out of the country. Members who kept observation along the N1 North in the Makhado policing area spotted the vehicle on the road. An attempt to stop the driver failed as he sped off, resulting in a high-speed chase by members. The vehicle was eventually forced to a stop along the road, leading to the suspect’s arrest,” said Mashaba. He said a preliminary investigation revealed that the vehicle had been reported stolen in the Krugersdorp policing area, Gauteng, last Friday.
Mashaba said police investigations were continuing into the suspect’s involvement and the theft of the vehicle.

Last month of June, the Mokopane Regional Court sentenced vehicle smuggler Mosa Allen Dlamini (34) to 20 years’ imprisonment for charges relating to the illicit smuggling of stolen vehicles across South African borders. He was convicted on charges including possession of stolen motor vehicles, fraud, money laundering, and falsification of vehicle registration plates. The charges involved two high-value vehicles: a Toyota Land Cruiser and a Toyota Fortuner.

Also read: Court sentences vehicle smuggler to 20 years for cross-border car theft