Stolen Nissan Navara bakkies recovered near Polokwane
The vehicles were allegedly bound for the Beitbridge border post before police intercepted them along the N1 in two separate operations.
POLOKWANE – Police in Limpopo say they’ve made progress in the fight against cross-border vehicle smuggling, arresting three suspects and recovering two stolen Nissan Navara bakkies worth a combined R1.5m over the weekend.
The recoveries followed two separate operations on Sunday, August 2 and Monday, August 3, carried out by the SAPS Provincial Tracking Team and Provincial Investigation Unit, working alongside several private security partners, including Limpopo Tactical, Tshimollo Security and Investigations, Shadow Secure, Tracker South Africa and Tracker Connect.
First bakkie chased down on the N1
The first operation began after police received a tip-off about a Nissan Navara ProMax stolen in Springs, Gauteng, on Saturday (August 1). Police believe the vehicle was being driven toward the Beitbridge border post to be smuggled out of the country.
Officers picked up the vehicle travelling at high speed along the N1 South near Westenburg. When the driver failed to stop, police gave chase before eventually bringing the vehicle to a halt.
Two men, aged 36 and 40, were arrested. The recovered bakkie is valued at around R900 000.
Second vehicle intercepted outside Polokwane
On Sunday (August 2), police acted on similar information about another stolen vehicle believed to be headed for Beitbridge.
Officers intercepted a grey Nissan Navara on the N1 South outside Polokwane. Investigations showed the vehicle had been reported stolen in Alberton, Gauteng, on Friday (July 31). It’s valued at around R600 000.
A 34-year-old man was arrested in connection with this vehicle.
Police commend joint effort
Limpopo police commissioner, Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers, praised the coordinated effort between police and private security partners, saying the operations show how intelligence-led policing can help break up vehicle theft and smuggling networks.
The three suspects are expected to appear in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court tomorrow (August 3).
The cases remain under investigation.
Related coverage: Vehicle theft in Limpopo
This is the latest in a string of vehicle theft and recovery cases reported in the region over the past two months. Related stories include:
- Stolen R2.2m vehicle recovered, suspect arrested near Makhado
- Stolen vehicle recovered near Beitbridge, suspect arrested
- 2 arrested with stolen Gauteng vehicles destined for Beitbridge
- Limpopo flying squad recovers stolen vehicle in Polokwane
- Stolen SUV recovered after a chase in Polokwane
- Toyota Prado stolen in Benoni recovered near Polokwane
- Mokopane court hands man 8 years for stolen Gauteng vehicles
