A police anti-smuggling unit has swooped on two suspects who allegedly planned to smuggle vehicles valued at R1.6 million to Zimbabwe via the Beitbridge border post at the weekend.
SAPS spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said men were nabbed for being in possession of presumed stolen motor vehicles during the anti-smuggling operation in the Capricorn District Municipality in Limpopo.
“The members of Limpopo SAPS Provincial Anti-Smuggling Task Team and Capricorn District Flying Squad received a tip-off about two vehicles that were to be smuggled out of the country to Zimbabwe through Beitbridge port of entry,” Malesela said.
“The team swiftly responded and two vehicles, a grey Toyota Fortuner 2.8 and White Toyota Hilux GD-6 Double Cab, were spotted travelling along the R71 from Boyne, in Mankweng policing area travelling towards the direction of Polokwane,” he said.
Malesela said police officers stopped the two vehicles for which the drivers failed to produce valid documents.
“Both vehicles were fitted with false registration number plates and false license discs. The suspects were immediately arrested,” he said.
Malesela said preliminary police investigations revealed that the Toyota Fortuner, valued at R900 000, had been reported stolen at Muldersdrift in Gauteng and the Toyota Hilux, valued at R700 000, was found to have been reported stolen in Brooklyn, Pretoria, on June 22.
The two suspects, aged 33 and 32, were charged for possession of presumed stolen motor vehicles and are expected to appear in the Mankweng Magistrate's Court on Tuesday.
SAPS Limpopo Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe commended the team for recovering the stolen vehicles.
