Yet another east vehicle intercepted before crossing border into Zim
Police apprehended a suspect smuggling a vehicle, reportedly stolen from Brooklyn.

A 44-year-old man was arrested on Thursday, March 7 in Modjadjiskloof for possession of a suspected stolen motor vehicle, believed to be hijacked in the east of Pretoria.
Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said that preliminary investigations revealed that the Toyota Rav4 was hijacked in Brooklyn, Pretoria, on Monday, March 4.
“The suspect was cornered on the R81 road while trying to smuggle the vehicle out of the county [through the Beitbridge border post],” said Ledwaba.
The suspect is expected to appear in the Tzaneen magistrate’s court on March 8.
Members involved in the ongoing anti-smuggling operation prasied
Limpopo police commissioner Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe praised members involved in the ongoing anti-smuggling operation for their dedication and vigilance.
“This arrest sends a clear message to those engaged in illegal smuggling activities that the SAPS remains committed and capable of disrupting their operations,” said Hadebe.
Hadebe emphasised that officers continue to demonstrate exceptional skill.
The arrest follows a stream of vehicles reportedly being stolen in the east of Pretoria.
Hadebe said police were committed to rooting out the illegal smuggling of goods into and out of South Africa.
“Our dedicated units and relevant stakeholders will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice,” said Hadebe.
Police plan to intensify operations
Police are planning to intensify operations to crack down on vehicle smugglings after yet another vehicle worth over R1-million was intercepted last month while its hijackers attempted to cross the Zimbabwean border.
The Toyota Prada had allegedly been hijacked in Brooklyn, Pretoria east on February 19.
Two suspects (aged 26 and 27) who face charges of possession of the suspected stolen motor vehicle, contravention of the Immigration Act, driving a motor vehicle without a valid driver’s licence and reckless and negligent driving.
Ledwaba said the stolen motor vehicle was seized.
Ledwaba said the bust on February 22 was made through intensified efforts, consisting of members of the provincial tracking team and private security companies.
The SUV was intended to be smuggled into Zimbabwe through the Beitbridge border post.
“The vehicle was being escorted by another vehicle using the N1 bypass next to Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane when police spotted them.
“They tried to stop the vehicles but the drivers sped off. The two suspects were subsequently nabbed along the R71 bypass following a [high]speed car chase.”
He said the suspects also tried to flee on foot but were later caught.
Ledwaba said the two suspects did not possess valid driver’s licences.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the vehicle was hijacked in Brooklyn, Pretoria.”
The recent arrests follow on the heels of police recovering another vehicle which had been reported stolen in Garsfontein and which was retrieved on February 12 while being smuggled.
As he tried to flee law enforcement, a 29-year-old man was arrested for possession of a suspected stolen motor vehicle.

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