KEY POINTS
- Law enforcement arrested two young women in Limpopo driving a Toyota Hilux that had been taken in Pretoria.
- Authorities say the vehicle was traveling to Zimbabwe when they intercepted it.
- Just as police made an arrest for another stolen SUV, smuggling fears were raised.
Acting together, Limpopo police stopped a stolen Toyota Hilux GD-6 close to the Polokwane weighbridge on the R101.
For the operation, SAPS Anti-Smuggling Team, Tshimollo Security and Reflex Anti-Hijacking Security were all involved. A man escaped by running away, while police caught Lerato Pertunia Mosoge (20) and Makhanani Mmolawa (19) after they tried to run away.
Car believed to be from Pretoria incident traced by authorities
According to police, a Toyota Hilux was stolen from the Garsfonteen area in Pretoria East on May 16, 2025. According to early reports, the vehicle was likely being brought into Zimbabwe by smuggling it via the Beitbridge port. Sources say that stopping the truck prevented a bigger smuggling attempt from taking place.
The refusal of court appearance and detention during profiling
Both Mosoge and Mmolawa appeared in front of a Polokwane Magistrate after being charged with possessing a suspected stolen car. The case is now set for Tuesday next week and both women are being held in custody while they are profiled.
Police make linked arrest in theft of a stolen car
Earlier in the week, authorities arrested 31-year-old Mikael Mlambo when he was driving a stolen Toyota Corolla Cross believed to be destined for Beitbridge. The grey SUV was stolen in Pretoria Central around the first of this month. Mlambo has been held in custody and his case will be taken up again on Monday.
These recent arrest have shown the high rise in car thefts in South Africa, and the involvement of women especially young ones.
