SANDF and SAPS have arrested two foreign nationals and recovered three high-value vehicles near the South Africa–Zimbabwe border in a coordinated security operation. Picture Credit: DefenseWeb
By Aisha Zardad
South Africa — Authorities at the South Africa–Zimbabwe border have arrested two foreign nationals and recovered three high-value vehicles during a joint operation involving the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and South African Police Service (SAPS), officials confirmed on Wednesday.
The arrests and recoveries were made at a remote border location near Beitbridge, one of the busiest land border posts in southern Africa, where security forces have stepped up efforts to disrupt cross-border crime and the illegal movement of stolen property.
According to a statement by SANDF spokesperson Brigadier-General Xolani Mabanga, the two suspects, both foreign nationals, were detained after intelligence indicated suspicious activity involving luxury vehicles in the border zone.
“Our troops acted on credible information and, in cooperation with SAPS K9 units and border policing teams, were able to intercept and secure three high-value vehicles suspected of having been unlawfully removed from South Africa,” Mabanga said.
The recovered vehicles included two SUVs and a sports sedan with estimated market values exceeding R2 million collectively, according to police records. Authorities are working with the National Traffic Information System (NTIS) and vehicle manufacturers to confirm whether the vehicles had been reported stolen or misappropriated.
SAPS border policing commander Colonel Thabo Dlamini said the operation highlights the growing threat of organised cross-border criminal syndicates targeting lucrative motor vehicles for resale or export.
“Cross-border vehicle theft and illicit trafficking networks remain a serious concern,” Dlamini said. “This joint effort demonstrates how military and police collaboration is essential in safeguarding our borders and protecting law-abiding citizens’ property.”
The suspects were processed and handed over to the Beitbridge SAPS Criminal Investigation Unit for further questioning and formal charges, which may include possession of suspected stolen property, contravention of the Immigration Act and potential racketeering matters, authorities said.
Border security operations in the Limpopo and Mpumalanga corridors have intensified in recent months as law enforcement agencies focus on disrupting syndicate routes and reducing the flow of illicit goods and contraband, including vehicles, fuel, cigarettes and other high-value commodities.
Community policing forums and local residents have welcomed the crackdown, with some describing the area as previously vulnerable to frequent cross-border crime. Mabanga said ongoing patrols, intelligence sharing and surveillance would continue to prioritise high-risk zones.
The operation also involved the South African Revenue Service (SARS) customs officials, who assisted in verifying the origin and registration details of the vehicles and ensuring that proper import/export documentation was in place where applicable.
Authorities noted that coordinated operations between SANDF, SAPS and other agencies have led to significant recoveries and arrests in recent years, contributing to broader efforts to curb organised crime across borders.
As investigations continue, law enforcement agencies urged the public to report suspicious activity near border posts and highways and to ensure that vehicle documentation and licensing details are kept up to date to assist in identifying theft attempts more quickly.