Three stolen luxury vehicles worth R2.2 million recovered during SANDF border operations in Musina

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has recovered three vehicles worth R2.2 million, including a Toyota GD-6 and a Nissan Navara, reported stolen in Gauteng during border security operations in Musina, Limpopo.

The recoveries were made by members of Four Artillery Regiment deployed under Operation CORONA, which conducts day and night patrols along the South Africa-Zimbabwe border to curb the illegal smuggling of vehicles, cigarettes and other goods.

Three vehicles reported stolen in Gauteng recovered

In a statement on Thursday, the SANDF said the regiment had intercepted and recovered three vehicles during its operations.

The vehicles included a Toyota 2.4 GD-6 valued at R800,000, a Nissan Navara double cab worth R890,000 and a Toyota Cross valued at R510,000.

The three vehicles have a combined market value of R2.2 million.

According to the SANDF, the Toyota GD-6 and Nissan Navara were recovered during operational duties, while the Toyota Cross was intercepted during an area-domination patrol.

“Musina 4 Artillery Regiment has been conducting day and night border security operations to curb the illegal smuggling of contraband between South Africa and Zimbabwe,” it said.

Cigarette consignments worth more than R438,000 intercepted

The regiment also intercepted cigarette consignments and other goods suspected of being smuggled across the border.

The SANDF listed 18 master boxes of RG cigarettes valued at R385,000, as well as another two master boxes valued at R53,688.

The combined stated value of the two cigarette consignments is R438,688.

“4 Artillery Regiment intercepted various goods being smuggled in and out of the country,” the SANDF said.

It added that the goods found along the riverbanks were suspected of being smuggled into the neighbouring country at night.

The latest recoveries form part of Operation CORONA, under which SANDF members conduct patrols to prevent illegal activities along South Africa's borders.

The SANDF described the regiment's deployment in Musina as a critical part of efforts to protect the country's border with Zimbabwe.

IOL News