Man sentenced after two stolen vehicle arrests at Zim border

A 35-year-old man has been sentenced to an effective eight years’ direct imprisonment after being convicted on charges relating to possession of stolen motor vehicles and reckless and negligent driving. According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), Lucky Msizi Tshabangu was arrested on May 18, 2025, by members of the Limpopo Provincial Tracking Team in Mokopane after he was found driving a Toyota Corolla Cross that had been reported stolen in Gauteng. Police said Tshabangu was travelling towards the Beitbridge border post with Zimbabwe when he allegedly failed to stop for officers, leading to a high-speed chase.

However, police said Tshabangu was arrested again in September 2025 at Beitbridge while driving another Toyota Corolla Cross that had also been reported stolen in Gauteng. Following the second arrest, his bail was revoked and the two cases were consolidated for trial in the Mokopane Regional Court. On Monday, the court handed down the following sentences: The sentences for the first two counts will run concurrently, resulting in an effective prison term of eight years.

The investigation was conducted by Detective Sergeant Lucas Letlotlo Ledwaba of the Provincial Investigation Unit. SAPS said the sentence reflects ongoing efforts to combat vehicle-related crime and the movement of stolen vehicles across South Africa’s borders.