By REGINALD KANYANE
28 February 2025- A man sentenced to seven years imprisonment for theft of a motor vehicle. On 28 December 2022, a case of theft of a motor vehicle was registered in Upington, involving a Toyota Land Cruiser worth R400 000.
According to ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela, the accused, Anthony Rees (39), rented the vehicle from a 4×4 Rental company and never returned it. Masegela said the investigating officer followed all the leads and it was discovered that the suspect took the vehicle to Botswana, and returned to South Africa without it.
“A warrant of arrest was issued for his arrest, and the suspect was circulated as wanted. During 2023, the investigating officer was informed that the suspect was arrested in Pretoria on another case.
“Rees was later transferred to Upington Correctional Service and he was charged for theft of motor vehicle. On 26 February 2025, he was sentenced to seven years imprisonment for theft of motor vehicle,” he said.
Masegela further said Rees will serve this sentence combined with the seven years imprisonment for the possession of stolen vehicle in Pretoria Correctional Service, which he already started. He added that the stolen Toyota Land Cruiser was recovered in Zimbabwe and will be transported back for handing over.
Meanwhile, the ZF Mgcawu District Police Management, commended the excellent investigation by Warrant Officer Nicolaas Van Zyl of Upington Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit that led to the incarceration of the accused.
The Guardian 