A multi-disciplinary anti-smuggling operation has led to the recovery of a stolen vehicle valued at R2.2 million and the arrest of a suspect on the N1 near Makhado in Limpopo

A multi-disciplinary anti-smuggling operation has led to the recovery of a stolen vehicle valued at R2.2 million and the arrest of a suspect on the N1 near Makhado in Limpopo.

The operation was conducted by the Provincial Investigation Unit and Provincial Tracking Team with the assistance of private security partners: ShadowSecure Security, Tracker Connect, Tshimollo Security and Investigations, Limpopo Tactical Security, and Bas Secure.

Acting on information that a suspected stolen vehicle was on its way from Gauteng to Limpopo for smuggling out of the country through the Beitbridge Port of Entry, operational teams kept observation along the N1 from Gauteng. The vehicle, a white Toyota Land Cruiser ZX, was spotted travelling north near Makhado and was stopped.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the vehicle had been reported stolen in Benoni, Gauteng, on Saturday, 18 July 2026.

The 46-year-old driver was arrested and is expected to appear before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 27 July 2026, facing charges of possession of a suspected stolen motor vehicle and operating a motor vehicle without a valid driving license.

Police investigations are ongoing.