Two suspects were arrested on Thursday after they tried to smuggle vehicles worth R1, 2million across the Beitbridge border post into Zambia.
Police said the vehicles – a Toyota Hilux Legend and a Toyota Hilux 2.5 – were hijacked in Tembisa and Hartebeesfontein, Gauteng.
“Members of the Limpopo and Mahalelereng Flying Squads conducted a joint operation after being tipped off by the Crime Intelligence Unit about two highjacked vehicles were to leave the country,” said Limpopo Police Spokesperson, Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo.
He said the hijacked vehicles were being driven through Nyl plaza toll gate when they were stopped and one of them had false Lesotho registration plates.
According to Brigadier Mojapelo, the two drivers, a South African and a Lesotho national, were arrested after the initial investigation revealed the vehicles had been hijacked from Tembisa and Hartebeespoort, Gauteng, and were being smuggled into Zambia through Beitbridge border post.
He said the 52-year-old suspect was also found involved in more than eight cases of illegal possession of stolen vehicles, the latest committed at Akasia in Pretoria in June 2022.
Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has lauded the team for intercepting these motor vehicles and apprehending the two suspects.
“Arrests like this will send a clear message to other criminals that the police have ears and eyes in all corners of the province to deal with smugglers”, said Lt Gen Hadebe.
The two suspects will appear before the Mokopane Magistrate’s Court on Monday facing charges of possession of suspected stolen motor vehicles.
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