Police thwart attempt to smuggle cars across Limpopo River

Two suspects have been arrested in what police have described as a major dent in their fight against the smuggling of stolen vehicles. 

Three cars, including an Audi, a Range Rover and a Datsun, were confiscated at the border between Limpopo and Zimbabwe. 

The suspects were attempting to smuggle the vehicles across the Limpopo River. 

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Provincial police spokesperson Motlafelo Mojapelo says the arrests were made during a joint operation between the tactical response team, public order police, the K9 unit as well as the SANDF. 

"The operation continues to make tremendous impact on cross border crimes such as smuggling of stolen properties including motor vehicles," he says. 

The operation is targeted at areas along the border between Phafuri, Beitbridge and Pontdrift. 

A 28-year-old suspect has been arrested, Mojapelo confirms. 

"The vehicle, a white Mercedes Benz, was stolen in Durban and belongs to a rental company. It was apparently being smuggled into Zimbabwe when it got stuck yesterday. The suspect has been arrested for the possession of a suspected stolen vehicle."

A Range Rover valued at R900 000 was also intercepted yesterday. It was destined for Malawi. 

"The driver was arrested. An amount of R30 000 was found in his possession. The vehicle was on the verge of crossing Beitbridge border post," Mojapelo confirms. 

A Ford Ranger was also seized. 

"The vehicle was intercepted when the suspects were about to cross the Limpopo river. They fled into the bushes when police pounced on them," Mojapelo says.  

The vehicles had been recovered over the past week. 

The arrested suspects will appear in the Musina Magistrate's Court soon.