Two accused sentenced for stolen vehicle crimes in Limpopo
Two men have been separately sentenced by the Polokwane and Mokopane Regional Courts in Limpopo, for stolen vehicles crimes that were allegedly being transported towards the Beitbridge Port of Entry.
The Polokwane Regional Court sentenced 30-year-old Prince Tshanduko Kgopana to 18 years direct imprisonment for theft of a motor vehicle.
Kgopana was arrested on 12 February 2024 along the N1 near Peter Mokaba Stadium after he was found driving a stolen Toyota Hilux double cab worth approximately R900 000.
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The vehicle had been reported stolen in Pretoria and was allegedly destined to be smuggled out of the country through the Beitbridge Port of Entry. The case was investigated by Sergeant David Makwela of the Polokwane Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit.
In a separate matter, the Mokopane Regional Court sentenced 34-year-old Bhekamaswazwi Hlatshwayo to an effective seven years direct imprisonment for possession of a stolen motor vehicle and reckless and negligent driving.
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Hlatshwayo was arrested on 12 November 2025 after he was found driving a stolen Toyota Corolla Cross valued at approximately R600 000.
The vehicle had been reported stolen in Gauteng and was allegedly being transported towards the Beitbridge Port of Entry. The matter was investigated by Sergeant Letlotlo Ledwaba of the Provincial Investigating Unit.
The court sentenced Hlatshwayo to five years imprisonment for possession of a stolen motor vehicle and two years’ imprisonment for reckless and negligent driving. The sentences will run consecutively, resulting in an effective seven-year prison term.
Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe welcomed the sentences and commended police members involved in the successful arrests and prosecutions.
