A coordinated anti-smuggling operation in Limpopo resulted in the arrest of a 29-year-old man and the recovery of a stolen white Toyota Corolla Cross valued at R400,000.
The suspect was allegedly attempting to smuggle the vehicle across the Beitbridge Port of Entry.
On 23 June 2025, the Provincial Tracking Team and partner law enforcement agencies acted on intelligence that a stolen car from Gauteng was en route to the border.
Eventually, surveillance units located the vehicle on the R521 near Vivo in the Mara policing area and intercepted it.
Toyota Corolla Cross Reported Stolen in Pretoria
Investigators confirmed that someone reported the Toyota Corolla stolen over the weekend from the Brooklyn policing area in Pretoria.
Officers arrested the suspect at the scene.
Alleged Repeat Offender Violated Bail Conditions
Police revealed that they arrested the same suspect in April 2024 for smuggling a stolen Toyota Hilux GD6 to Musina.
The Polokwane Magistrate’s Court had released him on bail, and the Polokwane Regional Court scheduled his next appearance for 28 July 2025.
However, the Senwabarwana Magistrate’s Court will hear his case on 25 June 2025. He will face a charge of possessing a suspected stolen motor vehicle.
Authorities expect to revoke his existing bail after he allegedly committed the same offence again, violating his bail conditions.
Commissioner Commends Teamwork
Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe praised the operation’s success, further highlighting the value of inter-agency collaboration in disrupting cross-border vehicle smuggling.
Are authorities enforcing bail conditions strictly enough for repeat offenders?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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