SA man sentenced for attempting to smuggle stolen Toyota Hilux to Zimbabwe

A 34-year-old South African man has been sentenced to eight years in prison after being caught attempting to smuggle a stolen Toyota Hilux bakkie from Tshwane to Zimbabwe.

The Mokopane Regional Court on Wednesday convicted Solomon Chiloane on a charge of possession of stolen property following his arrest during an intelligence-led operation in July.

Chiloane was intercepted on 14 July 2025 while driving a white Toyota Hilux Club Cab with a high-raised body along the R101 into Mokopane. Police investigations later confirmed that the vehicle had been stolen in the Lyttelton policing area in Tshwane and was believed to be bound for Zimbabwe.

The arrest was made through a joint operation involving the Limpopo Provincial Tracking Team, Tshimollo Security and Investigation, Shadowsecure Security, and Tracker Connect.

Although Chiloane was a first-time offender, the court imposed a direct eight-year sentence, describing it as a necessary deterrent to those participating in organised vehicle theft and cross-border smuggling syndicates.

Sergeant Lucas Letlotlo Ledwaba of the Provincial Investigation Unit led the case, which culminated in this week's conviction.

Acting provincial commissioner Major General Jan Scheepers commended the collaborative effort between law enforcement and private security firms.

"The ongoing joint effort in fighting syndicates involved in organised crime or vehicle smuggling has proven time and again that criminal elements have no space in our province," said Scheepers. "Any such effort will be stopped."

Police say investigations into the broader vehicle smuggling network are continuing.