Limpopo SAPS operation “Vala Madi” stops vehicle smugglers in their tracks
This follows the arrest of two smuggling suspects and the recovery of several vehicles, during a crime intelligence-driven operation carried out along the borderline between Phafuri, Beitbridge and Pontdrift areas recently.
LIMPOPO – The Limpopo police continue to make tremendous impact on cross border crimes such as smuggling of stolen properties including motor vehicles, reports the SAPS.
This follows the arrest of two smuggling suspects and the recovery of several vehicles, during a crime intelligence-driven operation carried out along the borderline between Phafuri, Beitbridge and Pontdrift areas recently.
The operation comprised of members from the Tactical Response Team, Public Order Police, the K9 unit and was supported by the SANDF.
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According to a statement issued by says Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo, one of the successes includes the arrests of a 28-year-old suspect for possession of suspected stolen vehicle and the recovery of a white Mercedez Benz, belonging to rental company.
“The vehicle which was stolen in Durban was apparently being smuggled into Zimbabwe through the Limpopo river when it got stuck.”
A second suspect was intercepted and arrested, just before crossing the Beitbridge border post while en-route to Malawi. A Range Rover (valued at R900 000) and R30 000 cash was confiscated on the scene, he added.
“Additional vehicles recovered along the N1 north of Musina during this operation include an Audi A6 (valued at R400 000), a Mercedes Benz C180 (valued at R380 000) and a Datsun Go (valued at R90 000).”
The Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Nneke Ledwaba has commended all members involved, for their sterling performance. He concluded by stating that these successes will send a clear message that the police in the province are at a ready position to intercept and confiscate any stolen goods from being smuggled.
Mojapelo confirmed that some of these vehicles belong to rental companies.”The police will continue to operate at all identified areas to close the routes that are being used by criminals to smuggle stolen vehicle north of our borders.”
The arrested suspects will appear in the Musina Magistrate’s Court soon.
