Zimbabwean man arrested while driving stolen R2. 5 million Nissan Patrol towards Beitbridge
Image: SAPS
Police in Limpopo have intercepted and recovered a high-performance luxury sport utility vehicle, valued at over R2.5 million, during a targeted anti-smuggling operation.
The anti-crime blitz was conducted by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Limpopo in collaboration with private security partners along the N1 highway near Polokwane on Wednesday.
'Acting on intelligence regarding a stolen vehicle travelling from Gauteng towards the Beitbridge border, the operational team consisting of Limpopo SAPS, ShadowSecure Security, Tshimollo Security and Investigations, and Tracker Connect kept strategic observation along the N1 route,' said Limpopo police spokesperson, Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba.
The vehicle matching the description, a white Nissan Patrol V8 5.6, was identified and intercepted near Shell Ultra City within the Westernburg policing area.
Mashaba said further investigations confirmed that the vehicle had been stolen in Brooklyn, Pretoria.
'A 51-year-old Zimbabwean national, who was driving the vehicle, was arrested on the spot and charged with possession of a suspected stolen motor vehicle,' he said.
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The Zimbabwean man is scheduled to appear before the Polokwane Magistrate's Court on Friday.
Meanwhile, provincial commissioner of police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has commended the swift recovery of the luxurious vehicle, and hailed the collaboration that made it possible.
A 51-year-old Zimbabwean national will on Friday appear in a Limpopo after he was arrested while driving a stolen V8 Nissan Patrol 5.6 worth R2.5 million towards the Beitbridge port of entry.
Image: SAPS
In May, IOL reported that a 31-year-old man, Mikael Mlambo, appeared before the Polokwane Magistrate's Court in Limpopo after he was arrested when police intercepted a stolen Toyota Corolla Cross sport utility vehicle which was being driven towards the Beitbridge port of entry.
At the time, Mashaba said the matter was postponed to allow for the profiling of the arrested man. He said police had established that Mlambo is a South African national.
Earlier, IOL reported that the grey SUV that was driven by Mlambo in Limpopo was reported stolen in May, around Pretoria central.
'On Friday, 16 May 2025, members of provincial Flying Squad were busy conducting routine patrol duties when they received intelligence information about a grey Toyota Corolla Cross SUV vehicle that was reported stolen this month,' said Mashaba.
'The vehicle was allegedly travelling at high speed along the N1 South public road and was destined to be smuggled to Zimbabwe.' Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
The police immediately commenced an intensive search for the stolen vehicle until it was positively spotted driving outside Polokwane.
Police officers attempted to stop the speeding vehicle, but the driver refused to yield.
'A car chase ensued until the vehicle was intercepted at Nirvana robots. It was searched and police suddenly discovered a damaged tracking device removed from the vehicle,' said Mashaba.
Police said Mlambo could not produce authentic documentation proving ownership, and he was immediately placed under arrest. He was charged for possession of a suspected stolen motor vehicle.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
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