South African police blitz nets 4 Zimbabwean suspects

South African police have arrested for suspects believed to be Zimbabweans after they attempted to smuggle stolen vehicles into the country through Botswana.

According to South African Police Service (SAPS) website, they are carrying out joint clean-up operations throughout Limpopo Province, including at the port of entries, to address cross-border crimes.

“During the operation at Grobler’s Bridge Port of Entry, four suspects (names being withheld) aged between 26 and 41 years were arrested for possession of suspected stolen cars and possession of dagga,” SAPS said.

“The following were recovered during the arrest: White Mercedes Sprinter which was en route to Zimbabwe via Botswana; Silver Mercedes-Benz and bags containing dagga.”

The suspects are expected to appear before Tom-Burg Periodical Court once investigations have been completed.

SAPS said as part of its Back to Basics approach and in its efforts to prevent and combat crime and corruption at their borders, it had led a nationwide police intelligence driven-operation since last week.

“The multi-departmental operations, which included the South African Revenue Service and the Department of Home Affairs, were conducted at our land, sea and airports,” it said.

“There were significant successes resulting from these operations in that 101 suspects were arrested as well and a variety of items were recovered/seized.

“These items included drugs, counterfeit goods, 19 illegal firearms and approximately 362 rounds of ammunition, hijacked vehicles, as well as undeclared foreign currency.

“We will endeavour to establish if the firearms were used in the commission of other crimes.”

There are 69 cases under investigation, which resulted from the arrests and seizures.