2 arrested as Nissan NP200 stolen in Joburg in July intercepted on its way to Zimbabwe! A routine vehicle inspection at the Zimbabwe border led to the arrest of two foreign nationals on Friday after a suspicious grinding mark on a white Nissan NP200 revealed it had been stolen from Gauteng earlier this year.
The suspects, aged 28 and 47, were attempting to cross into Zimbabwe with the vehicle when they were detained by the police’s Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit (VCIU).
Discovery of Suspicious Markings
The incident unfolded around 12:50 p.m. when officers from the VCIU were conducting standard inspections as part of their routine duties. The suspects, who had requested clearance to travel across the Zimbabwe border in the white Nissan NP200 with Gauteng registration plates, attracted the attention of officers due to visible grind marks on the vehicle.
The marks raised immediate suspicions about the authenticity of the vehicle’s ownership and whether it had been tampered with.
VCIU members conducted a more thorough inspection of the vehicle after noticing the grinding marks, an indicator that the original VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) could have been altered or removed. Such modifications are common in cases involving stolen vehicles.
Confirmation of Stolen Vehicle Report
Upon cross-referencing the vehicle’s details with police databases, officers quickly discovered that the Nissan NP200 had been reported stolen from the Florida area in Gauteng in July 2024. The stolen vehicle report from several months earlier indicated that the car had been missing for some time, suggesting the suspects may have acquired it through illegal channels.
Police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, explained that when questioned about the vehicle’s origin, the two suspects claimed they had received the car from a relative in Gauteng. However, they were unable to provide any verifiable details or documentation to support this explanation.
“When questioned about how they obtained the vehicle, the suspects failed to provide a reasonable explanation, only stating that they had received it from their brother, who lives in Gauteng,” said Ledwaba.
Swift Arrest and Charges
The officers acted immediately, arresting the two suspects on the spot and taking them to Thohoyandou Police Station for further processing. The duo now faces charges of possession of a presumed stolen motor vehicle and will appear before the Thohoyandou Magistrates’ Court on Monday, October 28.
“The duo will appear before Thohoyandou Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 28 October, facing charges of possession of a presumed stolen motor vehicle,” confirmed Ledwaba.
Ongoing Investigation into Vehicle Theft and Trafficking
This arrest is part of ongoing efforts to combat the trafficking of stolen vehicles, which often move between South Africa and neighboring countries. Gauteng has seen a notable increase in vehicle theft cases, with stolen cars frequently sold across borders where they are more difficult to trace. Authorities are intensifying inspections and surveillance at key border points to curb such activities and return stolen property to rightful owners.
The investigation is ongoing, and police are looking into whether the suspects might be linked to a larger vehicle trafficking network operating between South Africa and Zimbabwe. The VCIU is also examining any potential connections between the suspects’ claims of receiving the vehicle from a relative and other recent vehicle thefts reported in Gauteng.
Increased Vigilance at Border Crossings
Law enforcement is encouraging border personnel to remain vigilant, as the VCIU continues its work to dismantle vehicle trafficking networks and apprehend those involved in cross-border vehicle theft. Ledwaba emphasized that increased diligence at borders, alongside technology to track stolen vehicles, plays a vital role in intercepting trafficked goods and preventing stolen property from leaving the country.
This case highlights the challenges authorities face in addressing organized vehicle theft and trafficking. By focusing on technology and routine inspections, officials hope to better protect South African citizens and recover stolen property more efficiently.
In other news – Rapper Da L.E.S’ Bryanston mansion on sale for R6.5 million
Mzansi rapper Da Les, real name Leslie Mampe, recently made headlines after being discharged from the hospital following a stroke he suffered on his 39th birthday.
The artist, known for his popular track All Eyes on Me, spent several weeks in medical care at Charlotte Maxeke and South Rand hospitals before his family arranged for him to recover at home. Read More
The post 2 arrested as Nissan NP200 stolen in Joburg in July intercepted on its way to Zimbabwe appeared first on News365.co.za.
Zim Instantly via Simplex Solutions