Two young women, aged 19 and 20, are set to appear once again in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 27 May 2025. The pair are facing charges of possession of a suspected stolen vehicle after they were arrested last week in connection with a Toyota Hilux GD-6 bakkie believed to have been stolen in Pretoria. The arrest has attracted attention as it sheds light on the growing trend of vehicle smuggling across South Africa’s northern borders.

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Stolen Bakkie Headed for Zimbabwe

Preliminary investigations by the South African Police Service (SAPS) have revealed that the Toyota Hilux GD-6 was stolen on Friday, 16 May 2025, in Garsfontein, a suburb in Pretoria East. Authorities suspect the vehicle was being transported to Zimbabwe through the Beitbridge border post, one of the busiest entry points into the neighboring country. The smuggling of high-value vehicles such as bakkies and SUVs remains a pressing issue in the region, with stolen vehicles often making their way across borders within hours of being taken.

Joint Operation Results in Arrest

The two suspects were apprehended during a high-level, coordinated operation involving several law enforcement and security entities. According to Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba, the SAPS Anti-Smuggling Team worked closely with Tshimollo Security and Investigation, Reflex Anti-Hijacking Security, and Tracker SA. The operation led to the interception of the stolen vehicle on the R101, near the Polokwane weighbridge, a strategic location frequently used to monitor traffic headed towards the border.

“During the stop, one male suspect fled into nearby bushes and managed to evade capture, while the two female suspects attempted to run away but were caught after a brief foot chase,” said Mashaba. He credited the rapid response of the officers involved for the successful arrest.

Court Appearance and Further Detention

Following their arrest, the two women were taken into custody and appeared before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court. During the brief hearing, the magistrate ordered that the accused remain in custody while police conduct further profiling and investigations. Their next court date was set for Tuesday, 27 May 2025. The women will remain behind bars until then as police continue to investigate their possible connection to a broader smuggling syndicate.

Similar Case Involving Zimbabwean National

In a separate but related incident, a 43-year-old Zimbabwean national, Mhlalisi Moyo, was also arrested in Limpopo last week for possession of a different stolen vehicle—a Toyota RAV4. Moyo was apprehended as part of another joint operation led by SAPS, in collaboration with private security companies and tracking specialists. The stolen vehicle was intercepted near Shell Ultra City on the N1 highway around 8 p.m. on Wednesday, 21 May.

Moyo appeared before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Friday, where he was also remanded in custody. His case was postponed to Thursday, 29 May 2025, pending a formal bail application.

Ongoing Efforts to Dismantle Smuggling Rings

The recent arrests are part of intensified efforts by South African authorities to combat the persistent threat posed by vehicle smuggling syndicates. These criminal networks often operate with precision and speed, moving stolen vehicles across provincial and national borders within hours. The use of advanced tracking technology and partnerships with private security companies has significantly enhanced the SAPS’s ability to track and recover stolen vehicles before they leave the country.

Brigadier Mashaba emphasized that police operations would continue to target known smuggling routes and networks, warning that those involved in such activities would be brought to justice.

As investigations continue, law enforcement officials hope that these arrests will send a strong message to would-be smugglers and contribute to curbing the cross-border theft of vehicles. The cases are still unfolding, and further developments are expected in the coming weeks.