A high-end Porsche Cayenne that had been reported stolen in May was discovered dismantled at a workshop in the Nirvana area of Polokwane. Acting on a tip-off, a special police team raided the premises on Wednesday and uncovered the luxury SUV already stripped for parts.
During the operation, three men were arrested, including the workshop’s 49-year-old owner, who is reportedly in the country illegally. Authorities have added an immigration violation to his charges.
A second vehicle — a white Toyota Tazz stolen in October last year — was also recovered at the same location. The suspects, aged between 35 and 49, are facing charges related to the possession of suspected stolen vehicles. They are expected to appear in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court soon.
Limpopo’s police commissioner praised the operation, stating it was a clear indication of an organised vehicle theft syndicate operating in the region. She commended the joint effort of the teams involved in recovering the stolen property and reaffirmed the commitment to dismantling such criminal networks.
In a similar case last year, another man was arrested while stripping a hijacked Volkswagen Polo in Etwatwa. The vehicle had been stolen just hours earlier. Officers acted swiftly based on information received and found the suspect in the middle of dismantling the car.
These incidents highlight the growing concern over vehicle theft syndicates operating in South Africa and the importance of community cooperation and intelligence in cracking down on these crimes.