KEY POINTS
- Botswana Police, with help from Zimbabwean authorities, recovered a Toyota Hilux GD-6 stolen in Matsiloje.
- The stolen vehicle was located in Figtree, Zimbabwe, during a joint cross-border operation.
- Police investigations continue for the suspects while authorities plan to hand back the vehicle to Botswana.
The ZRP with BPS conducted a joint investigation which led to the recovery of a Toyoto Hilux GD-6 vehicle stolen at gunpoint from a woman in Botswana’s Matsiloje village.
BPS spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Near Bagali reported Figtree was where authorities found the P590,000 (R790,000) worth of vehicle after being notified about its possible border crossing.
Cross-border collaboration leads to recovery of the stolen vehicle from Botswana robbery
Both countries’ law enforcement agencies worked together on a coordinated investigation following reports that the bakkie entered Zimbabwe according to Bagali.
The ZRP recovered the stolen vehicle and is now arranging for its return to Botswana. Three unidentified men who allegedly participated in the Botswana robbery still evade capture.
Police commend bilateral cooperation
According to Bagali the joint operation between Botswana and Zimbabwe’s law enforcement agencies demonstrated the deep friendship between these countries.
The law enforcement collaboration in fighting transnational crime shows real dedication to working together across national borders according to the national police head.
A parallel case from South Africa illustrates how contraband smuggling risks continue to threaten both nations.
SAPS recovered a stolen car after robbery
South African police in Limpopo stopped a stolen Toyota Hilux GD-6 during its journey towards the Beitbridge border post last year. An automotive robbery specified the bakkie came from Garsfontein’s eastern region beyond Pretoria.
The vehicle’s interception occurred close to the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane after police received intelligence that pointed to a suspected attempted exportation of the vehicle from South Africa. A 29-year-old suspect was arrested.
An operation targeting vehicle smugglers succeeded through the coordinated efforts of provincial public police forces and their private security counterparts according to Colonel Malesela Ledwaba.
