Male suspect (22) to appear in court facing charges of driving a suspected stolen vehicle and reckless driving

A 22-year-old male suspect is expected to appear before the Tzaneen Magistrate court on Monday, 26 February 2024 facing charges of driving a suspected stolen motor vehicle and negligent driving.

The Police received information about a red Ford Ranger Raptor bakkie that was reportedly stolen on Tuesday 20 February 2024 at Germiston in Gauteng province.

The members of the Provincial Tracking Team together with Private Security Company were activated and immediately commenced with the location of the motor vehicle.

On Saturday, 24 February 2024 at about 07:00, the motor vehicle fitting the description was positively spotted driving along the R81 public road outside Polokwane while passing Mall of the North. Police attempted to stop the motor vehicle but it sped off and a car chase ensued until it was intercepted at Ga-Sekgopo village under Modjadjaskloof policing area.

A 22-year-old male driver was asked about the origin of the motor vehicle but failed to provide satisfactory response and was immediately nabbed on the spot for driving a suspected stolen Vehicle and reckless driving.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the Ford Ranger Raptor bakkie valued at R1,5 million was enroute to Beitbridge Port of Entry (POE) intended to be smuggled to Zimbabwe.

The Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has once more applauded the commitment that is continuously being displayed by the men and women in blue for their efforts in combating vehicle smuggling at all the ports of entries across the province.

Police investigations are continuing.