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Stolen Pretoria Toyota Fortuner Intercepted on Its Way to Zimbabwe

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vehicle smuggler

Just days ago, a stolen Toyota Fortuner found itself in the clutches of law enforcement, intercepted while being smuggled from Gauteng to Zimbabwe via the Beitbridge border post.

In a swift response, Limpopo police apprehended a 34-year-old man with the suspected stolen motor vehicle, the Toyota Fortuner sport utility vehicle, that had been reported stolen in Gauteng, as per IOL.

The arrest concerns the alleged vehicle theft and uncovers ties to a vehicle smuggling syndicate between Gauteng and Limpopo.

Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba, the provincial police spokesperson in Limpopo, explained that various units of the SA Police Service and private security companies received information about the suspect’s activities. He was seen driving on Berghenk Road, attempting to smuggle the stolen vehicle to Zimbabwe via the Beitbridge border post.

Mashaba detailed the events: “An operation was activated, and the team spotted the described Toyota Fortuner 2.8. They tried to stop it, but the driver sped off.”

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Also read: Gauteng Businessman Among Six Arrested in Connection with Robbery and Brutal Murder of Limpopo Gas Store Owner


The attempt led to a high-speed chase, which extended from the Kuschke Agriculture School until officers finally brought the Toyota Fortuner to a halt along the R101 Road.

Mashaba added, “The suspect was immediately arrested for possession of a suspected stolen motor vehicle, driving without a valid driving license, and it was also established that he is in the country illegally.”

Preliminary investigations revealed that the police received reports that the vehicle was missing in Garsfontein the previous Saturday.

Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, the provincial commissioner of SAPS in Limpopo, praised the law enforcement teams for their swift action. She has instructed these teams to delve into the modus operandi to prevent similar incidents.

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The suspect will appear before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court. He will face charges related to immigration law breaches, possessing a suspected stolen motor vehicle, and driving a motor vehicle without a valid driving license.

Law enforcement agencies have emphasized that ongoing investigations may uncover connections between the suspect and additional vehicle theft and smuggling cases.

Also read:

Police Apprehend Seven Suspects in Drug Theft and Robbery Cases

Picture: X / SAPoliceService

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