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Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
South African police have intercepted at least 100 stolen vehicles that were being smuggled to other countries among them Mozambique, Malawi and Zambia via Zimbabwe between January and August this year.
In a statement, Limpopo police commander Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe said the police were not relenting.
“Lieutenant General Hadebe has noted that the police in Vhembe district have recorded notable successes in the fight against cross-border crimes especially at borderline stations, namely, Musina, Masisi, Tshamutumbu and Muswodi,” read the statement.
“According to the reporting period, January 1 to August 19, 2024, the police have recorded the successes as follows: The police have arrested many suspects, recovered high-powered vehicles worth millions of rands through the ongoing anti-smuggling operations, and intensified intelligence-driven operations across the country.
“In Vhembe District alone, 96 high-powered vehicles were recovered and 61 suspects were intercepted en-route to smuggle the vehicles out of the country.”
A total of 78 vehicles were intercepted in Musina, eight in Masisi , six Tshamutumbu, and four in the Muswodi policing area.
Lt Gen Hadebe added that they had managed to stop criminals from committing serious and violent crimes by recovering 15 firearms in the Musina policing area.
“We are satisfied with the work of our officers on the ground and the operational plan in place to combat cross-border crimes, though more work still needs to be done,” she said. We are grateful for the unwavering support from our partners in our concerted efforts against crime.”
The number of vehicles that are being stolen from South Africa and being smuggled to other countries is increasing.
In some instances, the vehicles are being sold by their owners bent on defrauding their insurers.
Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu