BY Obakeng Maje

A major vehicle syndicate boss (32) has been arrested in Mahikeng in the North West Province on Thursday, 21 June 2012.

Three other suspects age 30, 32 and 33-years-old who are believed to be part of this syndicate were also arrested. Operation Navara which has operating for the period of twelve months and is still going on was conducted today, at about 05:30 in the morning in Mahikeng.

Crime Intelligence Unit, Lehurutshe Vehicle Identification section and Potchefstroom Public Order Policing confiscated 14 suspected stolen vehicles. Seven, out of fourteen vehicles were confirmed to be stolen, two were found to be tempered with, and five were released as they were found not to be stolen.

Among the vehicle recovered was a Toyota corolla, three Run X’s, a City Golf, a Polo Classic, an Audi A4.The vehicles were recovered in the areas such as Magogwe Tlhabologo and Magogwe Koikoi, Ramatlabama 600, Miga Village, Unit 13 and 15 and Montshiwa Township.

“According to police information the syndicate modus operandi was to steal cars in Gauteng Province and store them in Mahikeng while making plans to sell them across the border to Botswana” Brigadier Ngubane said.

. Of late the syndicate started selling cars in the local market of Mahikeng

According to the Intelligence led operation most of the vehicles recovered were from Gauteng province and the police suspect there might be an international syndicate operating between, Gauteng, North West and Botswana.

The four suspects will appear before Mmabatho Magistrates’ Court on Monday 25 June 2012.

The Provincial Commissioner of North West Lieutenant General Zukiswa Mbombo applauded the three units for their dedication, passion and sleepless nights to see to it that perpetrators are brought to book. She thanked them for not putting their salaries before their jobs. She also warned the perpetrators not to relax because police are watching them. The police are expecting to make further arrests and also to request Interpol assistance for further investigation in Botswana.