Stolen Ford Everest XLT recovered from the Limpopo River

A joint operation by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the Border Police Reaction Team has led to the recovery of a Ford Everest XLT, valued at approximately R940,000, from the Limpopo River after it was allegedly being smuggled into Zimbabwe.

Police officers conducting crime-combatting patrols near the border in the Musina area spotted the vehicle driving directly into the fast-flowing Limpopo River on Monday, 5 January 2026.

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According to the SANDF, police proceeded to Malala Road to request backup from SANDF members who were conducting Vehicle Control Point operations in the area.

Due to poor visibility and fading light, the joint recovery operation was postponed until the morning of Tuesday, 6 January 2026. The scene was secured and guarded overnight.

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The following morning, the vehicle was successfully recovered from the river with the assistance of a civilian company.

The Ford Everest was taken to the South African Police Service impound facility, where it was later confirmed that the vehicle had been reported stolen on 31 December 2025 in Bela-Bela, Limpopo. Further checks revealed that it was fitted with false registration plates.