SANDF members appear in court for allowing stolen vehicles to cross Zimbabwe border

The seven SANDF members were arrested on 21 and 22 June 2021 for allegedly crossing smuggled vehicles to Zimbabwe..

Seven SANDF members appeared at the Musina Magistrate’s Court for allowing stolen vehicles to cross the border into Zimbabwe. Picture: Supplied.

Published Jun 23, 2021

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DURBAN – Seven members of the SANDF appeared in court on Wednesday for taking bribes and allowing stolen vehicles to be smuggled across the border into Zimbabwe.

Rapula Reuben Maidi, 49, from Ikageng, Edward Lepokola,48, from Sebokeng, Bulelani Danti, 29, from King William's Town, Ludwe Gwedashe from Port Elizabeth, Thembani Mjelo, 31, from East London, Marks Funeka,49, from Carletonville and Peter Thato Namane, 51, from Soshanguve all appeared at the Musina Magistrates Court today.

On Wednesday, National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson in Limpopo, Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi, said the SANDF members were arrested on 21 and 22 June 2021 for allegedly crossing smuggled vehicles into Zimbabwe.

“It is alleged that from 16 - 20 June 2019 to 24 February 2020 the suspects accepted a bribe of R15 000 to allow stolen vehicles to cross the border to Zimbabwe,”she said.

Describing how these SANDF members were caught, Malabi-Dzhangi said the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) received information about SANDF members who were assisting vehicle smuggling syndicates to smuggle suspected stolen vehicles through the Limpopo River.

“The Hawks and the military proceeded with (an) undercover operation and the suspects were consequently arrested at Musina along the Limpopo river.

“The SANDF members were immediately arrested by the military police,” she said.

The NPA said the case was postponed to June 28, 2021, for a formal bail application.

THE MERCURY

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