Mahindra bakkie hijacked in North West found parked in Limpopo

A 30-year-old male suspect has been arrested in Malamulele, Limpopo, after he was found in possession of a bakkie that was hijacked in the North West province.

Provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba, said the arrest took place on Tuesday, in the village of Shitlhelani.

Detectives, who were in the area tracing wanted suspects, received a tip-off about a suspected stolen vehicle at a house in the village. Police then went to a kraal on the property and, after the owner of the house opened the garage, they discovered a Mahindra S6 Karoo bakkie.

Police tested the vehicle and found that it was hijacked during a house robbery in the Boiketlong policing area in the North West. The suspect was immediately arrested and detained.

The 30-year-old man is scheduled to appear before the Malamulele Magistrate's Court on Thursday, on charges of possession of suspected stolen property.

Last week, IOL reported that swift and coordinated efforts of the Limpopo tracking team and provincial investigating unit, together with external law enforcement partners, led to the recovery of a stolen vehicle and the arrest of a 49-year-old foreign national.

Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said intelligence was received about a suspected stolen motor vehicle travelling along the N1 towards Polokwane.

“Operational teams immediately launched an anti-smuggling operation and kept the vehicle under close observation,” said Ledwaba.

The targeted vehicle, a Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid valued at approximately R400 000, was intercepted upon entering the city.

“A thorough investigation at the scene confirmed that the car had been reported stolen in Heidelberg, Gauteng, in January 2025,” Ledwaba said.

The suspect, who was driving the vehicle, was arrested on the spot.

jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za

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