A 42-year-old Zimbabwean man has been arrested in South Africa while in possession of a vehicle worth R4 million stolen from a member of parliament in that country.
The suspect, who was traveling to Zimbabwe and lacked a passport, was apprehended in South Africa and is expected to face charges under the Immigration Act of that nation.
“The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has extended commendations to the swift and effective response of the members of SAPS Provincial Anti-Smuggling Task Team in the recent case involving the theft of a vehicle worth R4 million belonging to a Member of Parliament,” Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, the province’s police spokesperson, said in a statement on Friday.
The vehicle, stolen on Thursday afternoon, 07 August 2024 at a parking lot in Menlyne Mall, Pretoria, was on its way to being smuggled into Zimbabwe when the suspect was apprehended later in the evening in Lebowakgomo policing area outside Polokwane,” he said.
“This effective operation demonstrates the South African Police Service’s dedication to maintaining security and justice. While the suspect is being held, more inquiries are being conducted to find out more about the extent of the crime and any possible accomplices.”
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Once it was determined that the 42-year-old Zimbabwean native was in the nation unlawfully, he was charged with possession of a presumed stolen motor vehicle and violating the Immigration Act.
On Monday, he is scheduled to appear before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court.
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