Mercedes-Benz Stolen In Gauteng Recovered Just Before Crossing Border To Zimbabwe

On Tuesday at about 2 AM, a significant incident unfolded when members of Beitbridge Port of Entry (PoE) were conducting a stop and search operation along the N1 North.

The operation took an unexpected turn when a white Mercedes-Benz halted next to Shell Ultra City petrol station.

According to Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, the vehicle’s new owner, a 36-year-old man, was unable to provide his driver’s license, identity document, or proof of ownership of the car.

During the search, police officers found three different number plates with Gauteng province registrations inside the vehicle.

The Vehicle Inspection and Safe Guarding Unit (VIS) was summoned to the scene, and they positively identified the motor vehicle as stolen from its rightful owner in Kwa-Thema policing area, Gauteng province, in July 2024.

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Consequently, the man was arrested on the spot for possession of a suspected stolen motor vehicle. Further investigation revealed that the suspect was also in the country illegally, leading to an additional charge of contravention of the Immigration Act.

The suspected stolen Mercedes-Benz was seized during the arrest, and the suspect is expected to appear before the Musina Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.

As police investigations continue, this case highlights the complexities and challenges law enforcement faces in combating cross-border vehicle theft.

Earlier this month, the South African Police Service (SAPS), Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD), and the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) arrested another individual connected to a vehicle hijacking syndicate.

This group allegedly hijacked and stole vehicles from South Africa, transporting them to Eswatini. Acting on a tip-off, law enforcement officers discovered four hijacked vehicles and various implements used for vehicle registration tampering at a house in Kibler Park, Johannesburg. A 37-year-old Eswatini national was arrested and charged with possession of hijacked motor vehicles.