Police arrest parolee believed to mastermind Toyota Hilux and Nissan 1400 theft syndicate in Polokwane
Limpopo police arrested three men, including a 52-year-old parolee believed to be the mastermind, during an intelligence-driven operation targeting a vehicle theft syndicate operating in Polokwane and surrounding areas.
Image: SAPS
Limpopo police have arrested three suspects aged between 43 and 52 in connection with a motor vehicle theft syndicate that allegedly targeted Toyota Hilux and Nissan 1400 vehicles in Polokwane and surrounding areas.
The arrests were carried out by members of the Polokwane Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit in collaboration with Polokwane Crime Prevention during an intelligence-driven operation on Sunday.
Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the arrests followed intensive investigations into a series of motor vehicle theft cases reported in Polokwane.
“The arrests follow intensive investigations into a series of motor vehicle theft cases reported in Polokwane, where the syndicate allegedly targeted older models of Toyota Hilux and Nissan 1400 vehicles. More than seven cases of stolen vehicles were reported,” said Ledwaba.
Police said the three suspects were arrested separately during a coordinated operation.
A 43-year-old suspect was arrested at Ga Mothapo within the Mankweng policing area. A 48-year-old shop owner was arrested at Ga Molepo, also within the Mankweng policing area, after he was found in possession of a stolen Toyota Hilux, which had allegedly been sold to him.
Limpopo police arrested three men, including a 52-year-old parolee believed to be the mastermind, during an intelligence-driven operation targeting a vehicle theft syndicate operating in Polokwane and surrounding areas.
Image: SAPS
The third suspect, aged 52, was arrested at Ga Maja Kopermyn village within the Lebowakgomo policing area.
Ledwaba confirmed that three stolen vehicles were successfully recovered during the operation.
“The 52-year-old suspect, who has been reportedly out on parole since December 2025, is believed to be the mastermind behind the syndicate,” he said.
The trio are expected to appear before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on 23 February 2026.
Police investigations are ongoing.
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