By Staff Reporter
A 31-year-old man was arrested on Friday, 16 May 2025, after he was caught in possession of a stolen vehicle believed to be en route to Zimbabwe.
The suspect was apprehended by members of the Provincial Flying Squad along the N1 South public road, just outside Polokwane.
According to Limpopo police spokespersons, the team was conducting routine patrols when they received intelligence about a grey Toyota Cross SUV that had been reported stolen earlier this month from Pretoria Central in Gauteng.
Acting swiftly, police launched a search and soon spotted the vehicle traveling at high speed. Attempts to stop it were ignored, prompting a high-speed chase through Polokwane until the vehicle was intercepted at the Nirvana traffic lights.
Upon searching the SUV, officers discovered that the vehicle’s tracking device had been tampered with and removed, raising further suspicion. The driver was asked to produce valid documentation proving ownership of the vehicle but failed to do so.
The man was immediately arrested and charged with possession of a suspected stolen motor vehicle. Preliminary investigations suggest the vehicle was destined to be smuggled across the border into Zimbabwe, a common route used by car smuggling syndicates operating between Gauteng and Limpopo.
Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, commended the swift action by the Provincial Flying Squad.
“Our members remain vigilant and ready to act on information. The recovery of this vehicle is a victory in our ongoing efforts to combat cross-border crimes. We urge communities to continue cooperating with police by sharing critical information,” said Hadebe.
The suspect is expected to appear in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 19 May 2025, where he will face charges related to the possession of a stolen motor vehicle and possible links to a broader vehicle smuggling operation.
Investigations are ongoing, and police have not ruled out further arrests.
