Mokopane court hands man 8 years for stolen Gauteng vehicles

MOKOPANE – A 35-year-old man has been sentenced to an effective eight years’ direct imprisonment by the Mokopane Regional Court after being convicted on charges relating to possession of stolen motor vehicles and reckless and negligent driving.

According to police, Lucky Msizi Tshabangu was arrested on May 18, 2025, in Mokopane by members of the Limpopo Provincial Tracking Team. He was found driving a Toyota Corolla Cross that had been reported stolen in Gauteng.

Police alleged that Tshabangu was travelling towards the Beitbridge Port of Entry (POE) when he failed to stop for officers, leading to a high-speed pursuit. He was subsequently arrested and later released on bail.

In September 2025, Tshabangu was arrested again at the Beitbridge POE while driving another Toyota Corolla Cross that had been reported stolen in Gauteng.

Following his second arrest, his bail was revoked and the matters were consolidated for trial in the Mokopane Regional Court.

On Monday (June 1) the court imposed the following sentences:

• Count One: Receiving a stolen motor vehicle – five years’ imprisonment.

• Count Two: Reckless and negligent driving – two years’ imprisonment.

• Count Three: Receiving a stolen motor vehicle – six years’ imprisonment.

The sentences on counts one and two will run concurrently, resulting in an effective sentence of eight years’ direct imprisonment.

The investigation was conducted by Det Sgt Lucas Letlotlo Ledwaba of the Provincial Investigation Unit.

Limpopo provincial commissioner Lt Gen Thembi Hadebe welcomed the sentence and commended the investigating officer and members of the Provincial Tracking Team for their work on the case.