According to Willie Smit of the security company, Willkie K9, Tzaneen is a hot spot for car thieves. “In Tzaneen we have noticed a trend where criminals are targeting high-end and newer models of Ford Rangers, Toyota Hilux and Fortuners. “In Phalaborwa the older cars seems to be the target of criminals. “The problem is that many vehicles don’t have trackers and that makes it hard to trace these cars,” Smit explained.
He told the Herald syndicates move stolen vehicles through Tzaneen, Giyani and the Punda Maria area. He says that most of these vehicles are taken over the border to Zimbabwe, Botswana and Mozambique through the bush on rugged terrain. He said that there is a big market for these models in neighbouring countries.
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Recently Willkie K9 Security recovered a Toyota Fortuner in the Maake area which was stolen at Mediclinic Tzaneen. He believes the vehicle was on its way to Mpumalanga when it was recovered. Meanwhile the police in Tzaneen say they have only recorded two cases of vehicle theft this year. Station spokesman, Sgt Maurice Nkhwashu, advises motorists to never park their cars in secluded areas.
“We have partnered with various security companies and mall managements in the fight to prevent car theft. “We urge people to be alert at all times and to always double check if the car is locked.
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“Car thieves use sophisticated methods in parking areas such as signal jammers,” he said. Last week, the Toyota Hilux Legend 50 of the chairperson of the ANC in the Mopani region, Gerson Molapisane, was stolen in Tzaneen while campaigning. At the time of going to press, the car was still not recovered. Anyone with information that can assist the police in recovering the vehicle, can call Sgt Zitha on 015 306 2152.
