TWO ZAMBIANS HELD BY BOTSWANA POLICE OVER SUSPECTED STOLEN VEHICLES
BOTSWANA Police in Kazungula have intercepted two stolen vehicles from South Africa (SA) that were en route to Zambia amid growing concerns over the rising number of smuggled cars transiting through the country.
The interception of a VW Amarok and a BMW X7 occurred on Sunday during a routine stop, question and search operation at the Kazungula exit gate to Zambia.
Upon examining the vehicles, officers discovered that both vehicles had recently been registered in South Africa, and their rightful owners had already reported them stolen.
As part of the operation, police arrested three suspects, a South African national and two Indians based in Zambia, all aged between 30 and 35. The trio is currently in police custody, assisting with ongoing investigations.
Kazungula Police Station commander, Superintendent Peter Masole, confirmed the arrests and revealed that this was the eighth case involving stolen South African vehicles intercepted this year.
“We continue to intercept stolen vehicles from South Africa heading towards Zambia. This is a growing concern and a sign that these vehicles might have a ready market somewhere,” he said.
Asked where the cars are typically destined, Masole said investigations suggest that the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) could be the final destination.
“In most of the cases, we’ve noted that the vehicles are en route to the DRC.
“We suspect that a market might have been established there, which is fuelling this cross- border vehicle smuggling,” he explained.
Masole commended the efforts of his officers and assured the public that the police would remain vigilant in curbing transnational crime.
He also called for greater collaboration amongst regional law enforcement agencies to address the growing trend of vehicle theft and smug- gling across southern Africa.
BOTSWANA POLICE SERVICE STATEMENT
15th April 2025
Gaborone, Botswana
POLICE INTERCEPT SUSPECTED STOLEN VEHICLES
Kazungula Police continue to make breakthroughs regarding suspected stolen vehicles in transit, using the One Stop Border in the area.
Police arrested a 29-year-old South African national, Nzabuco Praisegod Nathi Ndlangamandla, on 13th April 2025 after he was found in possession of a BMW X7 motor vehicle suspected to have been stolen in South Africa.
In a separate incident, two Zambian nationals, Zaid Nadat, aged 32 and Mohammed Patel, 40, were intercepted by the Police at the same Border Gate on Sunday (13/04/2025). The duo was found in possession of a VW Amarok, which was also suspected to have been stolen in South Africa.
The trio appeared before Kasane Magistrate Court today (15/04/2025) on a single Count of Found in possession of goods stolen outside Botswana.
The trio are remanded in Prison.
Accused Nadat and Patel will reappear on 22nd April 2025, while Ndlangamandla will return to Court on 23rd April 2025.
Signed:
Near Bagali (Assistant Commissioner of Police) Public Relations Officer
Tel: 399 3823 Email: [email protected]
TWO ZAMBIANS HELD BY BOTSWANA POLICE OVER SUSPECTED STOLEN VEHICLES
