Business Against Crime and the farming community commended for their continued dedication in the fight against cross-border crime

The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has commended the Niani Cross Border Team, which comprises Business Against Crime and the farming community, for their continued dedication and outstanding contribution to the fight against cross-border crime, particularly the smuggling of stolen motor vehicles through the Limpopo River into neighbouring countries.

The Provincial Commissioner’s commendation follows a recent successful joint operation conducted in the Masisi policing area under the Vhembe District. On Tuesday, 17 February 2026, the multidisciplinary team successfully retrieved a Toyota Fortuner that had been trapped in the middle of the Limpopo River. Upon retrieval, the vehicle was circulated and confirmed to have been stolen in Witbank, Mpumalanga, earlier this month.

In a related incident, a Nissan Patrol was recovered shortly after it had crossed the border. Preliminary investigations revealed that the vehicle had been reported stolen in Brooklyn, Gauteng, also during February 2026. Additionally, a Toyota Quantum that had been abandoned by suspects in Mutale was recovered. The vehicle had been reported stolen locally and is also believed to have been intended for cross-border smuggling.

Business Against Crime and the farming community commended for their continued dedication in the fight against cross-border crimehttps://t.co/OakPBkqcCk#ArriveAlive #Crime @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/H5rmEevcHz

– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) February 19, 2026