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Police seize R700,000 stolen Toyota Fortuner bound for border

Preliminary investigations revealed that the Toyota Fortuner 2.4 had been reported stolen in the Midrand area in March 2023.

A 26-year-old man is expected to appear in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Thursday after being arrested in connection with a stolen Toyota Fortuner that police believe was destined for the Beitbridge Port of Entry.

The arrest followed an intelligence-driven operation conducted by the SAPS Limpopo Provincial Tracking Team, Provincial Investigation Unit and Limpopo Traffic Police, together with several law enforcement and private security partners.

Police said they received information about a vehicle allegedly stolen in Gauteng and being transported towards the border, where it was suspected it would be smuggled out of South Africa.

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Acting on the intelligence, officers set up an operation along the N1 South near Shell Ultra City in the Westenburg policing precinct. The vehicle was identified and intercepted.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the Toyota Fortuner 2.4 had been reported stolen in the Midrand area in March 2023.

Further investigations led to the arrest of the driver. Police also allegedly found fraudulent documentation in the suspect’s possession.

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The suspect faces charges of possession of a suspected stolen motor vehicle, fraud and uttering.

The vehicle, valued at about R700,000, has been seized and further investigations are under way.

Akheel Sewsunker

Akheel Sewsunker, has been in the news industry for three years, with a strong focus on digital media. In addition to news reporting, he also writes content focused on professional wrestling, technology, and gadgets. He holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences degree in English and Criminology. His main areas of interest include tech, gadgets, and gaming, where he combines analytical insight with a passion for storytelling.

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