Thieves Abandon Stolen Nissan Navara After Crossing the Limpopo River

Polokwane – An exhilarating high-speed pursuit, gunfire exchanges, and a bold attempt to flee across the Limpopo River into Zimbabwe forced car thieves to discard a stolen bakkie.

In an extensive report regarding the abandoned Nissan Navara found on the banks of Zimbabwe, police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba revealed on Sunday, 16 August 2026, that law enforcement successfully intercepted “a daring effort by armed suspects to escape into Zimbabwe with the stolen Nissan Navara.”

Colonel Ledwaba detailed: “Members of the Beitbridge Task Team were performing patrols on the N1 near the border in the Musina policing area when they spotted a white Nissan Navara racing down Malala Drift Road towards the border.”

“The officers promptly initiated a pursuit as the vehicle approached the Limpopo River.”

“With assistance from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), the police continued in their chase as the suspects attempted to cross the river into Zimbabwe.”

Colonel Ledwaba further mentioned that the suspects opened fire on the police, who responded with return fire.

“An increased contingent of uniformed personnel from the Beitbridge South African Police Service (SAPS) was summoned for further assistance,” the spokesperson indicated.

“Ultimately, the suspects abandoned the vehicle on the banks of the Zimbabwean river and fled into Zimbabwe.”

“Despite the challenging situation, police officers entered the river and successfully retrieved the abandoned Nissan Navara.”

Fortunately, there were no injuries reported among the officers during this incident.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the Nissan Navara was reported stolen in Brooklyn, Gauteng, in early August 2026.

The vehicle has been confiscated for further inquiry.

The suspects remain at large, leading to an ongoing manhunt to capture those involved.

Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers, the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Limpopo, praised the officers for their courage, alertness, and commitment to preventing criminals from exploiting the nation’s borders.

“Our borders must not act as passageways for criminals,” Colonel Lieutenant General Scheepers asserted.

“This incident highlights our members’ readiness and vigilance in confronting cross-border criminal activity.”

“We will continue to collaborate with the SANDF and other law enforcement agencies to impede the movements of criminals involved in vehicle theft and other illegal activities.”

The investigation and manhunt are ongoing.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Crime Stop number 08600 10111.

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