Vehicle reported stolen in Pretoria retrieved from smugglers

A vehicle reported stolen in Pretoria Central was recovered on May 16 from suspected smugglers.

According to police, a 31-year-old man was arrested for possession of a suspected stolen motor vehicle after he was arrested following a high-speed pursuit.

Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said members of the Provincial Flying Squad were busy conducting routine patrol duties when they received intelligence about a Grey Toyota Cross SUV reportedly stolen in May in the Pretoria Central precinct.

“The vehicle was travelling at a high speed along the N1 South public road and was allegedly destined to be smuggled to Zimbabwe,” Mashaba said.

He said the vehicle was spotted outside Polokwane, and an effort to stop it proved fruitless.

“A car chase ensued until the vehicle was then intercepted in Nirvana. It was searched, and police discovered a damaged tracking device removed from the vehicle.”

Mashaba said the 31-year-old suspect was asked to produce the authentic documentation of the ownership of the vehicle. When he failed to do so, he was immediately placed under arrest for possession of a suspected stolen motor vehicle.

The provincial commissioner of Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, praised the police for the recovery of the vehicle and urged them to continue their concerted efforts to deal with cross-border crimes.

The suspect is expected to appear before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on May 19.

Police investigations are continuing.

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