A South African National Defence Force (SANDF) member from the north of Pretoria, along with five other members appeared in court for allegedly smuggling stolen vehicles to Zimbabwe.

Peter Thato Namane (51) of Soshanguve, Rapula Reuben Maidi (49) of Ikageng, Edward Lepokola (48) of Sebokeng, Bulelani Danti (29) of King Wiliams Town, Ludwe Gwedashe of Port Elizabeth, Thembani Mjelo (31) of East London and Marks Funeka (49) of Carletonville appeared in the Musina magistrate’s court on Wednesday.

Police spokesperson Captain Matimba Maluleke said the suspects whose military ranks range between lance-corporal and private, were on the radar of the police until they were arrested by the team in North West, Northern Cape and Free State provinces.

The court appearance follows their arrest on June 21 and 22.

“The suspects were deployed at the Beitbridge border post to defend and protect the territorial integrity of the Republic of South Africa between 2017 and 2019.

“Instead of carrying out their constitutional mandate of ensuring national security at the borders, they allegedly connived with vehicle smuggling syndicates to smuggle stolen vehicles through the Limpopo river in exchange for money,” said Maluleke.

NPA Limpopo regional spokesperson Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi said it was alleged that the suspects accepted a bribe of R15 000 to allow stolen vehicles to cross the border to Zimbabwe.

“The directorate for priority crime investigation (Hawks) received information about SANDF members who are assisting vehicle smuggling syndicates to smuggle suspected stolen vehicles through the Limpopo river.”

Police with other law enforcement stakeholders instituted an investigation dubbed “Night Vigil” to probe deeper into the matter.

Malabi-Dzhangi said the Hawks and the military proceeded with the undercover operation, which subsequently led to the suspects being apprehended.

“The SANDF members were immediately arrested by the military police,” said Malabi-Dzhangi.

The case has been postponed to June 28 for formal bail applications.