COLESBERG — A major Colesberg vehicle seizure operation has resulted in the arrest of six suspects and the impoundment of six Jetour T2 Hybrid SUVs valued at approximately R4.75 million. The successful bust highlights a sophisticated inter-provincial law enforcement effort targeting suspected automotive fraud and theft across provincial borders.
The coordinated operation was executed on Friday, 16 October 2026, at approximately 14:40, following a critical tip-off. Western Cape Crime Intelligence alerted local authorities in Colesberg that six white Jetour T2 Hybrid vehicles were traveling from Beaufort West toward the town.
Acting swiftly on the intelligence, Highway Patrol, Colesberg Visible Policing, and Hanover police strategically positioned themselves along the route. The convoy was intercepted roughly 35 kilometers outside Colesberg. Each of the six SUVs was occupied by a single male driver.
During the initial stop, the drivers claimed they were simply transporting the vehicles to an undisclosed destination in Pretoria. However, a subsequent search of the vehicles uncovered suspected fraudulent documents. This discovery prompted an immediate escalation and further verification in collaboration with Western Cape Crime Intelligence.
Investigators established that the vehicles had allegedly been fraudulently purchased, leading to the immediate impoundment of the fleet. The six seized SUVs have a combined estimated value of R4,752,000. Furthermore, authorities discovered that six additional vehicles of the exact same make and model had already been impounded in Beaufort West by Western Cape Crime Intelligence, bringing the total number of vehicles linked to this specific investigation to twelve.
Following the bust, six South African men, ranging in age from 28 to 62, were arrested and detained. Six case dockets relating to the possession of suspected stolen vehicles were officially registered at the local police station. In addition to the high-value hybrid SUVs, police confiscated 10 cellular phones and the suspected fraudulent paperwork as evidence.
Acting Provincial Commissioner of the Northern Cape, Major General Luntu Ngubelanga, commended the officers for their vigilance, swift response, and professionalism. He emphasized that the operation serves as a prime example of the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing and cross-border collaboration.
“Crime does not respect provincial boundaries, and neither can our response to it,” Major General Ngubelanga stated. “The swift sharing and operationalisation of intelligence enabled our members to intercept these vehicles and apprehend the suspects.”
He further praised the operational teams for remaining alert and successfully converting received intelligence into decisive action, noting that partnerships with national crime intelligence and law enforcement counterparts will continue to be strengthened to combat cross-border syndicates.
The six suspects remain in police custody and are expected to make their first appearance at the Colesberg Magistrates’ Court soon to face charges.
