POLOKWANE – Police have arrested three suspects aged between 43 and 52 following an intelligence-driven operation targeting a motor vehicle theft syndicate operating in the city and surrounding areas.

Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the arrests were carried out by members of the Polokwane Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit, working with Polokwane Crime Prevention, after investigations into a series of vehicle theft cases reported in Polokwane.

“The syndicate allegedly targeted older models of Toyota Hilux and Nissan 1400 vehicles, with more than seven cases reported,” Ledwaba said.

The suspects were arrested separately during a coordinated operation.

A 43-year-old man was arrested at Ga Mothapo in the Mankweng policing area. A 48-year-old shop owner was arrested at Ga Molepo, also in the Mankweng area, after being found in possession of a stolen bakkie that had allegedly been sold to him. The third suspect, aged 52, was arrested at Ga Maja Kopermyn village in the Lebowakgomo policing area.

Three stolen vehicles were recovered during the operation.

Police believe the 52-year-old suspect, who has reportedly been on parole since December 2025, is the mastermind behind the syndicate.

The trio are expected to appear before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court today (February 23).

Investigations are continuing.