Polokwane – A high-speed chase, exchange of gunfire, and a drive through the Limpopo River onto a bank in neighbouring Zimbabwe led to car thieves abandoning the stolen bakkie.
Narrating events that led to a stolen Nissan Navara being abandoned on the Zimbabwe side, police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said on Sunday, 16 August 2026, that police “thwarted a daring attempt by armed suspects to flee into Zimbabwe with a suspected stolen Nissan Navara.”
Colonel Ledwaba added: “Members of the Beitbridge Task Team were conducting patrols along the N1, borderline and Musina policing area when they spotted a white Nissan Navara travelling at high speed along Malala Drift Road towards the borderline.
“The members immediately followed the vehicle as it proceeded towards the Limpopo River.
“With assistance from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), police pursued the vehicle until the suspects reached the river and attempted to cross into Zimbabwe.”
Colonel Ledwaba said the suspects opened fire on the police, who responded to the attack.
“Additional Beitbridge South African Police Service (SAPS) uniformed members were deployed to provide backup,” the spokesperson said.
“The suspects eventually abandoned the vehicle on the Zimbabwean side of the riverbank and fled into Zimbabwe.
“Undeterred by the challenging terrain, police members entered the river and successfully recovered the abandoned Nissan Navara.”
Fortunately, no police members were injured during the incident.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the Nissan Navara was reported stolen in Brooklyn, Gauteng, earlier this month, August 2026.
The vehicle was seized for further investigation.
The suspects remain at large, and a manhunt has been launched to trace and apprehend those responsible.
Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers, commended the members involved for their bravery, vigilance and determination to prevent criminals from exploiting the country’s borders.
“Our borders must never become escape routes for criminals,” Colonel Lieutenant General Scheepers said.
“This incident demonstrates that our members remain vigilant and prepared to confront cross-border criminality.
“We will continue working with the SANDF and other law enforcement partners to close the space for criminals involved in the movement of stolen vehicles and other illicit goods.”
The investigation and manhunt continue, and anyone with information about the whereabouts of the car thieves is requested to contact the Crime Stop number 08600 10111.
Colonel Ledwaba revealed that the police in Limpopo recovered seven stolen vehicles during anti-crime operations conducted between 13 and 16 August 2026.
The operations were conducted on strategic routes, border areas, and identified crossing points leading towards the Limpopo River and the Zimbabwean border.
In addition to recovering stolen vehicles, police also seized Illicit cigarettes, including Royal Express and Remington Gold brands, valued at more than R800 000.
