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SA cops arrest man trying to smuggle stolen car into Zimbabwe
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South African police on Monday arrested a 44-year-old man who attempted to smuggle a stolen vehicle into Zimbabwe using counterfeit registration documents.
The suspect was intercepted at the Departure Vehicle Checkpoint near the Beitbridge Port of Entry in Limpopo Province, just as he was preparing to cross into Zimbabwe.
Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malasela Ledwaba confirmed the arrest, saying the man was charged with possession of a suspected stolen motor vehicle and fraud.
"The suspect was apprehended at the Departure Vehicle Checkpoint while he was allegedly attempting to smuggle the vehicle, a grey Hyundai H1, out of the country to Zimbabwe through the Beitbridge Port of Entry," said Col Ledwaba.
Investigations revealed that the vehicle had been reported stolen in Pretoria, Gauteng Province, in August 2024. When questioned, the suspect produced fake documents in an effort to validate ownership, prompting police to add a charge of fraud.
The suspect was immediately taken into custody and is expected to appear in court soon. The stolen vehicle has since been impounded by authorities.
The arrest comes amid a rising trend in cross-border vehicle thefts, with many stolen cars in South Africa believed to be headed for neighbouring countries, often through Zimbabwe.
In response, law enforcement agencies from both countries have increased cooperation in a bid to curb cross-border crimes, particularly those involving stolen vehicles and smuggling syndicates.
"This arrest is part of ongoing efforts to secure our borders and dismantle international vehicle theft operations," Col Ledwaba added.
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious vehicle movements, particularly around border posts.
The suspect was intercepted at the Departure Vehicle Checkpoint near the Beitbridge Port of Entry in Limpopo Province, just as he was preparing to cross into Zimbabwe.
Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malasela Ledwaba confirmed the arrest, saying the man was charged with possession of a suspected stolen motor vehicle and fraud.
"The suspect was apprehended at the Departure Vehicle Checkpoint while he was allegedly attempting to smuggle the vehicle, a grey Hyundai H1, out of the country to Zimbabwe through the Beitbridge Port of Entry," said Col Ledwaba.
Investigations revealed that the vehicle had been reported stolen in Pretoria, Gauteng Province, in August 2024. When questioned, the suspect produced fake documents in an effort to validate ownership, prompting police to add a charge of fraud.
The suspect was immediately taken into custody and is expected to appear in court soon. The stolen vehicle has since been impounded by authorities.
The arrest comes amid a rising trend in cross-border vehicle thefts, with many stolen cars in South Africa believed to be headed for neighbouring countries, often through Zimbabwe.
In response, law enforcement agencies from both countries have increased cooperation in a bid to curb cross-border crimes, particularly those involving stolen vehicles and smuggling syndicates.
"This arrest is part of ongoing efforts to secure our borders and dismantle international vehicle theft operations," Col Ledwaba added.
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious vehicle movements, particularly around border posts.
Source - The Chronicle
