Theft in Limpopo leads to arrest in Gauteng after 3-hour car chase

Police recovered a Toyota Hilux GD6 Legend 50 and a 43-year-old man was arrested in Welbekend, Tshwane, this week after an intense high speed chase from the R37.

The chase began about three hours away from Bronkhorstspruit.

Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba says police following up on intelligence in Polokwane had tracked down the vehicle reported stolen from a parking spot in the Polokwane CBD at around 18:00 on Tuesday.

“A team comprising Limpopo tracking police, as well as the Murder and Robbery Unit were immediately activated to follow the lead of the stolen vehicle.”

He says a vehicle tracking company informed the team the vehicle was on the R37 road to Lebowakgomo.

When police sighted the vehicle, a chase ensued.

Mashaba explians the team was joined by the SPS High Risk and Tshimollo Security Investigations private security companies, as well as the Gauteng Police Organised Crime Investigation Unit.

“The two private security companies joined the chase, backing up the tracking team driving via Marble Hall and proceeded to the R25 road to Bronkhorstspruit.”

He adds police stopped the vehicle in Welbekend in Pretoria along the R25 towards Kempton Park and arrested the driver.

“Preliminary investigations revealed the suspect belongs to a vehicle theft syndicate that operates between the provinces of Gauteng and Limpopo.”

He says police are also hot on the heels of the remaining syndicate members. “The suspect is charged with possession of a suspected stolen motor vehicle at Welbekend and will be charged again in Polokwane for theft of the motor vehicle.”

Mashaba adds the multi-disciplinary operation yielded great success, and the suspect is expected to appear in the Benoni Magistrate’s Court in the week.

The matter will then be transferred to a Polokwane court.