In a swift and decisive operation, Limpopo police have successfully prevented an attempt to smuggle a stolen Land Cruiser, belonging to former South African MP Mandla Mandela, across the border into Zimbabwe. The vehicle, valued between R1.5 million and R2.1 million, was stolen from a parking lot at Menlyn Mall in Pretoria on Thursday afternoon.
Provincial police commissioner, Lt-Gen Thembi Hadebe, praised the quick actions of the anti-smuggling task team that led to the apprehension of the suspect. According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the suspect, a 42-year-old Zimbabwean national, was apprehended later that evening in the Lebowakgomo area, located outside Polokwane.
The suspect faces charges of possession of a presumed stolen motor vehicle and contravention of the Immigration Act, as it was revealed that he was in South Africa illegally. The police’s successful intervention highlights their commitment to combating vehicle theft and smuggling.
Mandla Mandela expressed his relief and gratitude following the vehicle’s recovery. Speaking to DispatchLIVE, he said, “We express gratitude and gratefulness to the Almighty for the recovery of our vehicle … The phenomenon of vehicle theft, kidnappings, and hijackings that have proliferated over the past few years poses serious challenges for our safety and security and results in so much emotional trauma.”
Mandela emphasized the importance of collective efforts to improve safety, stating, “We must all work together with law enforcement and all in the security cluster to make South Africa safer for all.”
The 42-year-old suspect is set to appear in the Polokwane magistrate’s court on August 12. The incident underscores the ongoing issues related to vehicle theft and cross-border crime, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement agencies.
In other news – Fire destroys Brenda Fassie’s family home
The Cape Town home of late music icon Brenda Fassie has been severely damaged by a fire that consumed a significant portion of the star’s cherished memorabilia. The blaze occurred at Makana Square in Langa, where Brenda Fassie’s brother, Themba Fassie, was residing in a back flatlet.
Themba Fassie, who was at a neighbor’s house when the fire broke out, was alerted to the emergency and rushed back to find the situation dire. “Someone was summoned to get me from where I was. They told me my house was on fire. When I got home, the neighbors were already trying to extinguish the fire. Read More
