COLESBERG – An intelligence-driven inter-provincial police operation involving officers from the Northern Cape and Western Cape led to the arrest of a suspect linked to an alleged vehicle fraud syndicate on Friday 16 October.

The operation also resulted in the seizure of 12 high-end Jetour T2 Hybrid vehicles valued at more than R4.8 million.

The Western Cape Crime Intelligence impounded six vehicles in Beaufort West while the other six were in Colesberg by the Northern Cape police team comprising Highway Patrol, Colesberg Visible Policing and Hanover police. The Northern Cape team arrested six suspected syndicate members between the ages of 28 and 62.

They are expected to appear in the Colesberg Magistrate’s Court soon.

Brigadier Mashay Gamieldien, spokesperson for Northern Cape police, said all 12 vehicles were impounded following the arrests. She said members acted swiftly after receiving crucial information.

According to Gamieldien, the six vehicles impounded in Colesberg are valued at approximately R4 752 000. She said the drivers claimed that they were transporting the vehicles to an undisclosed destination in Pretoria.

“The investigation established that the vehicles were allegedly fraudulently purchased, prompting the immediate impoundment. Upon further investigations, members discovered documents suspected to be fraudulent inside the vehicles. The matter was immediately escalated, and further verification was conducted in collaboration with Crime Intelligence in the Western Cape,” said Gamieldien.

“Six case dockets have been registered at Colesberg SAPS, relating to the possession of suspected stolen vehicles. Members also seized 10 cellular phones and documents suspected to be fraudulent,” she said.

Gamieldien said the inter-provincial operation further established that the Western Cape Crime Intelligence also impounded six vehicles of the same make in Beaufort West. “This brings the total number of vehicles impounded in connection with the investigation to 12,” she said.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the Northern Cape, Major General Luntu Ngubelanga, has commended the members involved for their swift response, vigilance and professionalism. “The successful operation is a clear demonstration of the power of intelligence-led policing and effective collaboration between provinces,” said Ngubelanga.

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