LOOK: Several cars stolen in South Africa as far back as 2017, recovered in Lesotho during Operation Siyaqoqa
Several vehicles which were reported stolen in South Africa have been recovered in neighbouring Lesotho, following a multi-disciplinary operation called "Siyaqoqa" which brought different stakeholders and communities together in a cross-border operation.
The anti-crime blitz was intensified around the Lesotho and Free State border, according to SA Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson, Captain Lorraine Earle.
“During the five-day operation, 72 suspects were arrested on charges such as possession of suspected stolen goods, driving while under the influence, possession of a dangerous weapon, illegal possession of a firearm and contravention of the Immigration Act,” she said.
The operation had emphasis on illegal border crossings, and the law enforcement agents confiscated man-made bridges and rafts while going through the Caledon River and its banks at various points.
People who crossed the border illegally were also arrested, said Earle.
Hundreds of sandbags were destroyed and wooden logs were dismantled.
“Vehicle investigators went to Mafeteng in Lesotho where they found a Ford Ranger that was stolen in March 2021 in Berea, Gauteng, a (Toyota) Fortuner that was stolen in Krugersdorp in May 2024, a BMW that was stolen in Midrand in January 2017, and a Toyota Quantum of which the VIN and engine numbers were tampered with and stolen in Soshanguve in May 2021,” said Earle.
She said around Botshabelo in Free State, stray cattle were found and checked by the police.
“Further investigation revealed that they were stolen in Dewetsdorp in August 2024. Police confiscated five cattle. In Dewetsdorp, members followed-up on information, arrested a man and confiscated nine stolen sheep,” she added.
Police actions such as roadblocks, vehicle control points, stop-and-searches as well as visits to second-hand dealers, were also conducted during the blitz.
“Some non-complying shop owners were issued with fines and others were arrested after illegal items were discovered.
“The operation, which is crime intelligence-led, is concluded but will take place on a regular basis in order to combat cross-border crimes. This was conducted at towns on the border of Lesotho and all relevant stakeholders were summoned to take part,” she said.
Earlier this year, IOL did an investigation into the rampant crime of stolen vehicles which is a constant headache for the SAPS, motorists and private security companies in all parts of the country.
On a regular basis, IOL has covered stories in the getaway provinces of Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Free State and KwaZulu-Natal, where stolen or hijacked cars are intercepted while being driven towards neighbouring countries of Zimbabwe, Eswatini, Lesotho and Mozambique.
In the series of stories run by IOL, trends show that the double cab bakkies and the sport utility vehicles (SUVs) are the favourite targets for the criminals, who then make an easy passage onto the freeways in a dash towards the country’s borders.
However, many of the stolen or hijacked vehicles have been intercepted and recovered on the busy South African roads, in some instances, with number plates cloned and at times the vehicle’s registration altered.
IOL