SANDF soldiers successfully recover R1.5 million stolen Toyota Land Cruiser from Limpopo River

SANDF members under Joint Tactical Headquarters Limpopo recovered a stolen Toyota Land Cruiser from the Limpopo River and confiscated a second vehicle, a Toyota Fortuner, and a firearm near the Beitbridge border post. The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) says its members deployed in Limpopo under Joint Tactical Headquarters Limpopo remain “extremely vigilant” as they continue border safeguarding operations. According to a statement posted by the SANDF, members of 1 South African Tank Regiment on February 8, 2026, spotted a Toyota Land Cruiser valued at R1,513,300 attempting to cross the Limpopo River, which was full of water at the time.

The occupants allegedly fled to the opposite side of the river upon noticing the soldiers. SANDF members guarded the vehicle until February 17, 2026, when resources became available to retrieve it from the river. Following circulation with the South African Police Service (SAPS), the vehicle was confirmed as having been reported stolen in Boksburg, Gauteng, on February 6, 2026.

In a separate incident, a Toyota Fortuner valued at R539,900 was confiscated at Gumbu along the South Africa–Zimbabwe border. Both vehicles were handed over to SAPS. A Toyota Fortuner valued at R539,900 was confiscated by SANDF members at Gumbu along the South Africa–Zimbabwe border and handed over to SAPS.

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At the Support Base at Beitbridge point of entry, SANDF members also confiscated an abandoned bag containing a 9mm Retax-X-Pro pistol with serial number RXFYC-190401323 and four rounds of ammunition. The SAPS Local Criminal Record Centre was called to take over the matter. Officer Commanding Joint Tactical Headquarters Limpopo, Colonel Dikgabane Herold Tladi, commended the members for what the SANDF described as a job well done.

Last week,IOL reported that the provincial commissioner of police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, had commended the Niani Cross Border Teamfor its continued efforts in combating cross-border crime, particularly the smuggling of stolen vehicles through the Limpopo River into neighbouring countries. Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the team, comprising Business Against Crime and members of the farming community, works closely with law enforcement agencies, including the South African National Defence Force,the Border Management Authority, and neighbourhood watch structures. “The team continues to demonstrate exceptional commitment to safeguarding our borders.

Their partnership with SAPS and other law enforcement agencies serves as a powerful force multiplier and contributes significantly to the prevention and disruption of vehicle smuggling syndicates. We remain committed to strengthening these partnerships to ensure that criminals find no safe passage through our borders,” said Hadebe.

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