SA authorities making inroads in crackdown on cross-border vehicle smuggling syndicate in KZN

A notorious cross-border vehicle smuggler and hijacker has been sentenced to 53 years in prison in northern Kwazulu-Natal (KZN).

Sipho Mhlanga was handed a hefty sentence in the Mtubatuba Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

Mhlanga was arrested in August after being linked to a syndicate responsible for smuggling hijacked and stolen vehicles from South Africa to Mozambique – through various borders in northern KZN.

Efforts by South African authorities to clamp down on a cross-border vehicle smuggling syndicate in northern KZN are proving successful.

This follows the sentencing of cross-border vehicle smuggler and hijacker Mhlanga.

Over the past five years, dozens of unsuspecting victims have been lured to the area of Emanguzi and its surrounds only to be hijacked, held hostage, and in some cases even killed.

The syndicate specifically targeted 4×4 vehicles which would then be smuggled across the border into Mozambique.

Police Spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said that to date the task team deployed to the region in February last year has arrested 276 suspects with 107 still in police custody.

“One hundred and fifty vehicles that were either stolen or hijacked have been recovered, with the majority of those recovered being 4 x 4 vehicles. During this period 93 SUVs and/or 4×4 vehicles and 57 sedans were recovered. More than 70 illegal and unlicensed firearms were also confiscated which include 14 rifles.”

Last year, Mhlanga’s accomplice, Vusi Amos Malwane, was sentenced to 55 years in prison.

-EWN

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