SANDF intercepts stolen cars worth R26 million being smuggled out of South Africa

The SANDF said stolen vehicles to the value of R26 393 531 were intercepted before they could illegally cross the borders by the sharp and always vigilant soldiers deployed along our borders

PRETORIA, April 11 (ANA) – Stolen vehicles valued over R26 million were intercepted over the past three months by the South African National Defence (SANDF) troops manning the borders, as part of the long-running Operation Corona, before they could be whisked out into neighbouring countries.

SANDF spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Seitebatso Pearl Block said contraband goods valued at more than R30 million, coming into South Africa from mainly neighbouring Zimbabwe and Mozambique have also been confiscated by the SANDF troops deployed for border safeguarding over the past three months.

“In the past three months [January 1 to March 31 2021], the soldiers have confiscated contraband goods to the value of R30,988,844.44, most of which came from Zimbabwe and Mozambique,” said Block.

“Stolen vehicles to the value of R26,393,531 were intercepted before they could illegally cross the borders by the sharp and always vigilant soldiers deployed along our borders.

“Narcotics valued at R21,473,511 have been confiscated by troops deployed in four provinces namely, KwaZulu Natal, Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape and Free State.”

Block said the SANDF troops have broken their records with regards to confiscating contraband goods, narcotics and intercepting stolen vehicles.

“Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, the troops deployed at our borders continued to apprehend undocumented persons; they have prevented livestock theft and seized people guiding these livestock towards the borderline,” she said.

Block said more than 12,500 undocumented persons were apprehended by the SANDF and handed over to the South African Police Services (SAPS).

“All confiscated goods were declared and handed over to the relevant state departments including the SAPS and SARS/Customs. Other activities conducted include traffic fines issued to individuals not abiding by the road traffic rules and fines issued against citizens who contravened lockdown curfew regulations,” she said.

“The SANDF is contributing towards improving the economy of South Africa by maintaining territorial integrity and seizing all these illegal goods from entering the country.”

– African News Agency (ANA); Editing by Devereaux Morkel