The Hawks intercept stolen vehicle
SOUTH Africa’s specialised crime busting unit, the Hawks, on Tuesday evening intercepted a stolen Toyota Fortuner worth thousands of dollars which was being transported to Malawi via Zimbabwe.
Hawks spokesperson for Limpopo Province Captain Matimba Maluleke said they have arrested three suspects aged between 26 and 39 over the matter.
He said the trio were intercepted along the N1 Highway near Baobab Tollgate in Makhado area.
“The intelligence-driven operation between the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit, CIG and POPS resulted in the arrest of three suspects aged between 29 and 39 along N1 Road near Baobab Tollgate in Makhado area on Tuesday 14 August 2018 for possession of suspected stolen vehicle,” said Capt Maluleke.
“The members received intelligence about a stolen Toyota Fortuner that was en-route from Gauteng to Malawi,” he said.
“The vehicle was spotted, stopped, tested and it was found to have been reportedly stolen in Gauteng.
“The suspects were arrested for possession of suspected stolen vehicle and they are expected to appear at the Makhado Magistrate’s Court tomorrow.”
Capt Maluleke said further investigations were in progress.
The smuggling of cars between Zimbabwe and South Africa is rampant.
In the last six months the neighbouring country’s security agents recovered over 20 stolen vehicles along the boundary line.
The Herald is reliably informed that the cars are destined for Tanzania and Malawi, while others find their way to the local market.
In 2012, Zimbabwean police smashed a well-orchestrated car smuggling syndicate near the Panda Mine area and arrested seven Malawians and recovered five-topof-the range vehicles.
The vehicles include; two Toyota Fortuners, one Nissan Navarra, Toyota High Rider and a Toyota Vigo all worth R4 million.
It is reported that some of these syndicates are linked to security personnel manning the border, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) and the Central Vehicle Registry (CVR) officials.
The officials are alleged to be facilitating the smuggling and registration processes.