Zimbabwean national arrested for attempted smuggling of vehicle worth R4 million belonging to an MP

The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has praised her team for their rapid and effective response in recovering a stolen luxury vehicle worth R4 million. The vehicle, which was stolen from a parking lot at Menlyn Mall in Pretoria on August 7th, belonged to a Member of Parliament and was almost smuggled across the border to Zimbabwe.

The incident occoured in Pretoria when the high-value vehicle was reported stolen from Menlyn Mall, sparking immediate concern due to its significant worth and the high-profile nature of its ownership. The SAPS quickly launched an extensive operation to track down the vehicle, employing a combination of intelligence gathering and collaboration across various policing units.

The breakthrough came later that evening in the Lebowakgomo policing area, located outside Polokwane. Acting on intelligence, the SAPS successfully intercepted the vehicle before it could cross into Zimbabwe. The suspect, a 42-year-old Zimbabwean national, was apprehended during the operation, thwarting what would have likely been a successful smuggling attempt.

Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe commended the officers involved for their swift and coordinated response, emphasizing the importance of proactive policing in combating cross-border crimes. “This case is a testament to the dedication and efficiency of our police officers, who acted quickly to prevent a significant loss. The collaboration between our units is key to maintaining safety and security in our province,” she stated.

The successful recovery of the vehicle highlights ongoing concerns about cross-border crime in the region, particularly the smuggling of high-value assets. Limpopo, which shares a border with Zimbabwe, is a known hotspot for such illegal activities, making the role of the SAPS critical in curbing these crimes.

The arrested suspect is currently in custody and is expected to face charges related to vehicle theft and attempted smuggling. The SAPS continues to investigate the incident, aiming to identify any additional suspects or networks involved in the operation.

Must read:  “I was a victim of identity theft by a Zimbabwean.” victim speaks out