Botswana police praises Zimbabwe counterparts

A joint police operation between Botswana and Zimbabwe has resulted in the recovery of a Toyota Hilux GD6 that was stolen during a violent robbery in Matsiloje Village, Botswana, earlier this month.

In a statement issued last week, Botswana Police Service (BPS) spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Near Bagali, confirmed that the vehicle - valued at over P590,000 - was recovered in Zimbabwe's Matabeleland South province following swift collaboration between the two countries' law enforcement agencies.

"The incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, May 1, 2025, when three unknown men robbed a woman of her vehicle in Matsiloje Village," said Bagali.

Following the robbery, Botswana police immediately launched investigations and quickly gathered intelligence suggesting that the stolen vehicle had been smuggled across the border into Zimbabwe.

"This prompted the Botswana Police Service to engage the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), who assisted in tracking the vehicle to Figtree, where it was successfully recovered," Bagali said.

He confirmed that both BPS and ZRP are now working to locate and apprehend the suspects, who remain at large.

Efforts are also underway to repatriate the vehicle to Botswana and return it to its rightful owner.

Bagali commended the cooperation between the two law enforcement agencies, saying, "The Botswana Police Service appreciates the Zimbabwe Republic Police for their continued support and commitment to fighting cross-border crime."

The incident has sparked renewed calls for enhanced regional cooperation to curb vehicle theft and cross-border criminal activities.