Intelligence-driven policing and swift action by SAPS members have dealt a significant blow to suspected vehicle fraud, with six suspects arrested and luxury hybrid vehicles worth millions of rand seized in the Northern Cape.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has scored a major breakthrough in the fight against crime following the arrest of six suspects and the seizure of six Jetour T2 Hybrid vehicles valued at approximately R4.75 million in Colesberg.

The successful operation highlights how intelligence-led policing, alert officers and effective cooperation between provinces can disrupt suspected criminal activities and bring those allegedly involved before the law.

The operation unfolded on Friday, 16 October 2026, after Crime Intelligence in the Western Cape alerted SAPS members in Colesberg to information about six white Jetour T2 Hybrid vehicles travelling from Beaufort West towards the town.

Acting swiftly on the intelligence, members of the Highway Patrol, Colesberg Visible Policing and Hanover SAPS mobilised and strategically positioned themselves along the identified route.

Their vigilance paid off when the six vehicles were spotted approximately 35 kilometres from Colesberg. Each vehicle was occupied by a male driver, who reportedly told police that the vehicles were being transported to an undisclosed destination in Pretoria.

However, further investigations uncovered documents inside the vehicles suspected to be fraudulent. SAPS members immediately escalated the matter and worked with Crime Intelligence in the Western Cape to verify the information.

The investigation established that the vehicles had allegedly been purchased fraudulently, prompting police to impound all six vehicles.

The breakthrough in Colesberg also forms part of a wider investigation. Six vehicles of the same make had already been impounded in Beaufort West by Western Cape Crime Intelligence, bringing the total number of vehicles seized in connection with the investigation to 12.

The six vehicles seized in Colesberg alone are estimated to be worth R4,752,000 — a substantial amount of property now secured as police investigations continue.

SIX SUSPECTS IN CUSTODY!

Six South African men, aged between 28 and 62, were arrested and detained for further investigation.

Police also seized 10 cellular phones and documents suspected to be fraudulent as part of the operation.

Six case dockets relating to the possession of suspected stolen vehicles have been registered at Colesberg SAPS. The suspects are expected to appear in the Colesberg Magistrates’ Court soon.

The arrests represent a significant step in investigating the alleged vehicle fraud and determining whether further individuals may be linked to the operation.

PROVINCIAL POLICE LEADERSHIP COMMENDS OFFICERS

Acting Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner Major General Luntu Ngubelanga praised the officers involved, commending their vigilance, professionalism and swift response to the intelligence received.

He said the operation demonstrated the importance of intelligence-driven policing and cooperation between law enforcement teams operating across provincial boundaries.

“Crime does not respect provincial boundaries, and neither can our response to it,” Ngubelanga said.

He emphasised that the swift sharing of intelligence and the immediate action taken by operational members enabled police to intercept the vehicles and arrest the suspects.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner also praised officers for turning information into decisive action, underscoring the importance of remaining alert and responding effectively to suspected criminal activity.

SAPS has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cooperation with Crime Intelligence and law enforcement counterparts nationally to combat crime.

The six suspects remain in police custody and are expected to appear in court soon.