Car Thieves Desert Stolen Nissan Navara After Crossing the Limpopo River
Polokwane – A high-speed pursuit, an exchange of gunfire, and a daring drive across the Limpopo River into neighboring Zimbabwe resulted in car thieves fleeing from a stolen bakkie.
Describing the sequence of events that led to the abandonment of a stolen Nissan Navara on the Zimbabwean side, police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba stated on Sunday, 16 August 2026, that law enforcement “foiled an audacious attempt by armed suspects to escape into Zimbabwe with a suspected stolen Nissan Navara.”
Colonel Ledwaba further explained: “Members of the Beitbridge Task Team were on patrol along the N1, near the border, and in the Musina policing area when they noticed a white Nissan Navara speeding along Malala Drift Road towards the border.”
“The members immediately followed the vehicle as it approached the Limpopo River.”
“With the assistance of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), police pursued the vehicle until the suspects attempted to cross the river into Zimbabwe.”
Colonel Ledwaba reported that the suspects fired upon the police, who returned fire.
“Additional uniformed members from the Beitbridge South African Police Service (SAPS) were deployed for backup,” said the spokesperson.
“Eventually, the suspects deserted the vehicle on the Zimbabwean riverbank and escaped into Zimbabwe.”
“Despite the tough terrain, police members entered the river and successfully retrieved the abandoned Nissan Navara.”
Fortunately, no police officers were harmed during this incident.
Initial investigations indicated that the Nissan Navara was reported stolen in Brooklyn, Gauteng, earlier in August 2026.
The vehicle has been confiscated for further investigation.
The suspects are still at large, and a manhunt has been initiated to locate and apprehend those responsible.
Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers, praised the members involved for their courage, vigilance, and commitment to preventing criminals from taking advantage of the country’s borders.
“Our borders must not become escape routes for criminals,” Colonel Lieutenant General Scheepers remarked.
“This incident highlights that our members remain alert and ready to address cross-border criminal activity.”
“We will persist in collaborating with the SANDF and other law enforcement agencies to restrict the movement of criminals involved in stolen vehicles and other illegal goods.”
The investigation and manhunt are ongoing.
Anyone with information is encouraged to reach out to the Crime Stop number 08600 10111.
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