South Africa

Information indicated that the suspects intended to smuggle the vehicles into Zimbabwe through the Beitbridge border

By Staff Reporter
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1039
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August 25, 2025

MaZimbabwean makuzvinyanya, sei musingazvibati?J- arrested a South African man and a Zimbabwean national who were travelling in the stolen Mercedes-Benz, while the other stolen vehicle, an Audi A3 fled and evaded police.

Image: SAPSPolice arrested a South African man and a Zimbabwean national who were travelling in the stolen Mercedes-Benz, while the other stolen vehicle, an Audi A3 fled and evaded police.

Image: SAPS

A member of the South African Police Service (SAPS) was injured in a shootout during a high-risk joint anti-smuggling operation conducted in Limpopo, where a stolen Mercedes-Benz was recovered.

Police officers in Limpopo arrested two suspects while recovering the luxury vehicle along the N1 in Botlokwa.

Provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba, said the operation was launched after intelligence was received regarding two vehicles — a Mercedes-Benz C200 and an Audi A3 — stolen during a business robbery in Boksburg, Gauteng.

The vehicles were stolen on 12 August.

“Information indicated that the suspects intended to smuggle the vehicles into Zimbabwe through the Beitbridge border post,” said Mashaba.

“A tactical team was deployed and intercepted the vehicles near Botlokwa in the Capricorn District. As police attempted to stop them, the occupants of the Audi opened fire, sparking a shootout in which one police officer was wounded.”

Cases of attempted murder and possession of a suspected stolen motor vehicle were opened at Botlokwa police station.

The arrested duo is scheduled to appear before the Sekgosese Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

Meanwhile, provincial commissioner of police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has saluted the unrelenting joint law enforcement team.

“

This operation is a true reflection of the power of collaboration between our provincial teams, national detectives, and the private security sector. Our members displayed extraordinary courage in the face of danger, and we wish the injured officer a speedy recovery,” said Hadebe.

“Criminal syndicates must know that whether at provincial or national level, SAPS will remain united and relentless in the fight against crime.”

A manhunt has been intensified for the assailants who escaped in the Audi A3.Community members with information that can assist in the investigation are urged to contact Warrant Officer Phaladi Makola on 082 749 2233, Colonel Richard Boshomane on 079 894 5501, the Crime Stop number 08600 10111, or their nearest police station. Information can also be shared via the My SAPS App.Mashaba said despite coming under attack, the joint law enforcement team “displayed bravery and professionalism”, continuing with the operation under life-threatening conditions.

The Audi managed to flee and evade police, but the Mercedes-Benz was cornered.

“Two suspects — a 25-year-old South African male and a 48-year-old foreign national — were arrested on the scene. The recovered Mercedes-Benz is valued at approximately R700,000,” said Mashaba

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