The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Limpopo has made another arrest in their ongoing efforts to combat vehicle smuggling across borders. On Sunday morning, March 17th, 2024, a coordinated police operation intercepted a suspect driving a Ford Raptor along the R101 near Lunds farm, believed to be headed for illegal exportation into Zimbabwe through the Beitbridge border post.

According to Limpopo Police Spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, preliminary information indicates the vehicle was hijacked two days prior in Pretoria on March 15th. The 49-year-old male suspect now faces charges of possession of suspected stolen property.

“A case was opened at Westenburg Police Station,” Ledwaba stated. The accused is scheduled to appear before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, March 20th, 2024.

This latest arrest comes as authorities intensify crackdowns on cross-border vehicle smuggling syndicates. The suspect was allegedly attempting to illegally transport the hijacked Ford Raptor into a neighbouring country when police forces moved in to make the arrest near the border region.

He is currently out on bail after a previous court appearance in Johannesburg earlier this week on a similar charge. As investigations continue, police vow to uproot criminal operations threatening national security along South Africa’s porous borders.