South African Soldiers Intercept Stolen R1.5 Million Land Cruiser In Limpopo River

Members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in Limpopo, under the Joint Tactical Headquarters Limpopo, foiled an attempt to smuggle a Toyota Land Cruiser worth over R1 million into Zimbabwe — just two days after it was stolen in Gauteng.

Captain Moses Semono said that on 8 February 2026, troops from the 1st South African Tank Regiment spotted the Toyota Land Cruiser, valued at R1,513,300, attempting to cross the swollen Limpopo River. He added:

“Upon seeing our soldiers, the occupants swamped to the other side, and our soldiers had to guard the vehicle until the 17th of February 2026, when the capability became available to pull the vehicle from the river.

“Upon circulation by the members of the South African Police Services, it was discovered that the vehicle was reported stolen in Boksburg in Gauteng Province on the 06th of February 2026.

“A Toyota Fortuner valued at R539 900.00 was also confiscated at Gumbu on the border of South Africa/Zimbabwe. Both vehicles were handed over to the South African Police Services.”

In a separate incident at the Beitbridge Point of Entry, SANDF officers came across an abandoned bag that contained a 9mm Retax-X-Pro pistol with four rounds.

Captain Semono said the Local Criminal Record Centre from the South African Police Service was called in to take over the matter.

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