South Africa police in shootout with suspected car smugglers in Limpopo

Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau

Security agents in South Africa have recovered a Toyota Prado near the border with Zimbabwe following a high speed chase and a shootout with the suspects on Friday.

The Toyota Prado worth around R700, 000-00 had reportedly been stolen in Gauteng province.

Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malasela Ledwaba confirmed the development on Friday.

“The Musina Borderline members of SAPS and SANDF have recovered a stolen motor vehicle following a high-speed chase and shootout involving suspects who fled across the border in Musina, at around 09:00, on Friday,” he said.

“The members received an alert from a tracking company regarding a stolen vehicle, reported under Krugersdorp policing area, in March 2026. The vehicle was reportedly travelling at high speed towards the river on the western side of the borderline policing area in Musina.

“Police immediately responded and initiated a pursuit. The vehicle proceeded to the direction of members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), who had been alerted about the approaching vehicle”.

Colonel Ledwaba said upon attempts to stop the vehicle, the occupants opened fire at both SAPS and SANDF members.

A shootout ensued, during which the suspects abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot, crossing the river into neighbouring Zimbabwe.

He said while fleeing, the suspects continued firing shots at law enforcement officers.

“Zimbabwean authorities were notified, and a search was conducted on their side of the border. However, the suspects were not located,” said Colonel Ledwaba.

“The stolen vehicle, a grey Toyota Prado, was successfully recovered, seized. The estimated value of the vehicle is R700 000. Police investigations are ongoing”.

The smuggling of vehicles has become rampant around the border line and the Government is losing millions of dollars in import revenue annually.

Indications are that most of these cars are stolen from rental cars in South Africa while thefts are orchestrated by insurance fraud syndicates in that country.

On insurance fraud, the vehicles are clandestinely sold and smuggled out of South Africa, after which their owners working with syndicates then report them stolen and claim insurance money.