Simon Majadibodu|Published
A Toyota Prado VX worth approximately R900,000, stolen in KwaZulu-Natal, has been recovered at Capricorn Toll Plaza while being driven from Gauteng towards Beitbridge, allegedly to be smuggled across the border.
A 40-year-old man was arrested after the vehicle was recovered in the early hours of Tuesday.
It was recovered following an operation by the South African Police Service (SAPS) Provincial Tracking Team and its law enforcement and security partners Limpopo Tactical, Tshimollo Security and Investigations, and Shadow Secure.
Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the operation followed information being received by police about the vehicle.
The team was immediately activated and followed up on the information, leading to the vehicle being spotted and stopped at Capricorn Toll Plaza.
Suspect arrested for possession of stolen vehicle
Ledwaba said a verification process subsequently revealed that the Toyota Prado VX had been reported stolen in the Berea policing area in KwaZulu-Natal.
A 40-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of possessing a stolen motor vehicle and is expected to appear in the Makhado Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.
“The police investigations are continuing,” Ledwaba said.
Police commend swift operation
Limpopo police commissioner Lt-Gen Jan Scheepers commended the operational team and its partners for their swift response and collaboration in recovering the vehicle before it could be smuggled across the border.
Scheepers reiterated police would continue to intensify operations aimed at combating vehicle theft, cross-border smuggling and other forms of organised crime.
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
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