Members of the Provincial Flying Squad recovered a stolen Toyota Cross SUV and arrested a 31-year-old suspect following a high-speed chase along the N1 highway.
The incident unfolded when police, conducting routine patrols, received intelligence about a grey Toyota Cross SUV reportedly stolen earlier this month in Pretoria Central, Gauteng. The vehicle was allegedly being smuggled to Zimbabwe and was spotted speeding along the N1 South.
Authorities immediately launched a search and located the stolen SUV outside Polokwane. When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver accelerated, prompting a pursuit. The suspect was eventually intercepted at Nirvana robots, where a search revealed a damaged tracking device removed from the vehicle.
The driver, who failed to produce valid ownership documents, was arrested on the spot for possession of a suspected stolen motor vehicle.
Limpopo Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, commended the police for their swift response and recovery of the stolen vehicle. She urged officers to maintain their vigilance in combating cross-border crimes.
The suspect is set to appear before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court today, Monday, 19 May 2025. Police investigations into the matter are ongoing.