By Staff Reporter
POLOKWANE-South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has successfully intercepted a stolen Toyota Corolla Cross, as well as illicit cigarettes worth hundreds of thousands of rands, along key routes close to South Africa’s northern borders.
The vehicles and illegal goods were seized in multiple operations involving SANDF foot patrols, with suspects apprehended and handed over to the South African Police Service (SAPS).
The first intercept occurred at a Vehicle Control Point on T-Junction, located just north of Musina Town, in the Limpopo Province.
SANDF soldiers, while conducting a routine patrol, came across the Toyota Corolla Cross, which was confirmed by SAPS to have been stolen in Centurion, Gauteng.
The vehicle, valued at R 339,990.00, was reportedly in transit to Zimbabwe. This interception forms part of a growing effort to prevent the smuggling of stolen vehicles and goods across South Africa’s borders.
Meanwhile, at the Pontdrift Operational Base, situated near the Botswana border, soldiers uncovered a significant haul of illicit cigarettes. Suspects, who were attempting to smuggle the cigarettes into Zimbabwe, abandoned the contraband and fled back across the border into Zimbabwe when they noticed the approaching SANDF patrol.
The cigarettes, valued at R 152,922.26, were swiftly confiscated.
Further action was taken at the Support Base near Beitbridge, one of the busiest points of entry along the South Africa-Zimbabwe border. Here, soldiers stopped and searched a Ford Ranger bakkie, valued at approximately R 199,890.00.
Upon inspection, authorities discovered illicit cigarettes worth R 112,459.00, hidden within the vehicle. The driver and passengers were arrested and detained after the illegal goods were seized.
In total, the SANDF’s operations resulted in the confiscation of stolen vehicles and illicit goods valued at a staggering R 807,261.26.
All items, including the seized vehicles and contraband, have been handed over to the South African Police Service as per the law, along with the arrested suspects.
