Limpopo SAPS anti-smuggling operation continues to pounce on suspects

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Limpopo through intensified operations continue to crackdown on smuggling activities, with recent operation leading to arrest of two foreign male suspects and the seizure of a stolen motor vehicle worth over a million rand.

In the recent significant bust on Thursday morning, 22 February 2024, members of the Provincial Tracking team worked jointly with the private security companies and seized a powerful SUV vehicle intended to be smuggled into Zimbabwe through the Beitbrige 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 speed car chase. The suspects also tried to run on foot but they were caught. The two suspects did not possess valid driver’s licences

Preliminary investigations revealed that the vehicle was hijacked on Monday in Brooklyn, Pretoria.

“We are committed to rooting out the illegal smuggling of goods into and out of South Africa,” stated Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, Provincial Commissioner.

“Our dedicated units and relevant stakeholders will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.” added Lieutenant General Hadebe.

The suspects aged 26 and 27 are facing charges of possession of suspected stolen motor vehicle, contravention of Immigration Act, driving motor vehicle without a valid driver’s licence and reckless and negligent driving. They will appear before Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Monday 26 February 2024.