Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
South African police have recovered a stolen Toyota Fortuner VX vehicle that was allegedly being smuggled into Zimbabwe.
The vehicle was intercepted on Tuesday during an intelligence-driven anti-smuggling operation in Limpopo.
Limpopo police spokesperson, Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said the recovery followed a coordinated effort by multiple law enforcement agencies.
“On Tuesday April 1, an anti-smuggling operation was conducted along the N1 North, near Peter Mokaba Stadium, following intelligence regarding a stolen Toyota Fortuner VX that was travelling from Gauteng Province towards the Beitbridge Port of Entry,” he said.
Operational teams — including the Anti-Smuggling Unit, Polokwane LCRC and external partners from Tshimollo Security and Investigation — were deployed to monitor the suspect vehicle.
“The vehicle was spotted travelling northbound on the N1 and was stopped for investigations,” he said.
“Upon verification on-site, it was confirmed that the Toyota Fortuner had been reported stolen over the weekend at Pretoria Central.
“The driver, a 43-year-old South African male, was immediately arrested.
“The vehicle, valued at R800 000, was seized as part of investigations.”
The suspect is scheduled to appear before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, where he will face charges of possession of a suspected stolen motor vehicle.
