Suspect, 39, arrested on en route to smuggle car to Zimbabwe

In the early hours of March 15, 2024, a targeted operation conducted by the South African Police Service’s specialized Anti-Smuggling Unit led to the successful apprehension of a 39-year-old man believed to be associated with a cross-border smuggling syndicate.

Acting on intelligence, authorities received information regarding the suspect, who was reportedly driving a Toyota Prado that had been hijacked in Randfontein and was en route to Polokwane.

The interception occurred along the N1 South road, near the shell garage in the Westenburg policing area.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the vehicle in question had been hijacked on March 12, 2024, with the intention of smuggling it into Zimbabwe through the Beitbridge border post.

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Furthermore, it was discovered that the suspect was already facing a similar charge, having been apprehended recently for attempting to smuggle a stolen motor vehicle into Mozambique via the Lembobo border post.

Vehicle recovered

The Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, stated, “this arrest sends a strong message to individuals involved in smuggling and other forms of organized crime that the SAPS, along with its partners, remains vigilant and committed to upholding the law. We will continue to disrupt the operations of criminal networks that threaten the economic stability and security of our country.”

The suspect is currently in custody and is due to appear before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on March 18, 2024. He will be facing charges related to the possession of a presumed stolen motor vehicle and possession of fraudulent documents.

Authorities are actively conducting further investigations into the matter,and additional arrests have not been ruled out. This underscores the ongoing efforts to dismantle the smuggling network and bring all involved individuals to justice.

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