Latest news with #ToyotaCorollaCross
The Citizen
3 days ago
- The Citizen
Hijacking hotspots in Pretoria exposed: Avoid these areas
Hijackings in Pretoria are surging, with Mamelodi East, Akasia, and Sunnyside emerging as the city's most dangerous hotspots. Hijackers are zeroing in on Pretoria, with Mamelodi East, Akasia, and Olievenhoutbosch ranking among the country's most dangerous precincts for carjackings. According to the latest crime statistics released by SAPS for the period January to March 2025, these Tshwane-based stations recorded some of the highest hijacking figures nationwide—Mamelodi East with 65 cases, Akasia with 58, and Olievenhoutbosch with 51. These numbers place all three precincts in the national top 30 for aggravated robberies, highlighting a worrying trend for motorists in the capital. While Gauteng recorded a general decline in carjackings, Tshwane remains a key target area, with criminals favouring high-traffic routes, driveways, and intersections to strike. Here are the hot spots: Mamelodi East – 65 cases Akasia – 58 cases Olievenhoutbosch – 51 cases Sunnyside – High risk zone (frequently listed in trio crime stats) Pretoria West – Noteworthy activity linked to aggravated robberies Mamelodi West – Not in the top 30 but consistently flagged in past stats Temba – Previously listed among high-risk stations for violent crimes. Eersterust and Garsfontein – Not top-ranked but noted for related robbery and theft activity Residents are urged to remain vigilant, especially during the early morning and evening hours, when most of these incidents typically occur. Meanwhile, Paul Visser from the Pretoria ICE Community Network said here are the most targeted vehicles in the country now: VW Polo Toyota Hilux Ford Ranger Toyota Corolla Cross Toyota Fortuner Haval Jolion Chery Tiggo 4 Pro Haval H6 Chery Tiggo 7 Pro These models are often targeted due to their resale value, parts demand, and, increasingly, use in cross-border vehicle smuggling syndicates. Also read: These nine vehicles are NOW targeted by hijackers Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
These nine vehicles are NOW targeted by hijackers
These nine vehicles are NOW targeted by hijackers Hijackers in South Africa are now zeroing in on a new list of high-demand vehicles—with the VW Polo, Toyota Hilux, and Ford Ranger topping the list. According to the latest crime statistics released by SAPS, Pretoria remains one of the country's most targeted regions, with hijacking hotspots identified in Mamelodi, Sunnyside, and Pretoria West. Criminals are becoming bolder and more organised, using follow-home tactics and high-traffic zones to strike. Here's everything you need to know about the most hijacked cars—and where you're most at risk in Tshwane. Paul Visser from the Pretoria ICE Community Network said here are the most targeted vehicles in the country now: VW Polo Toyota Hilux Ford Ranger Toyota Corolla Cross Toyota Fortuner Haval Jolion Chery Tiggo 4 Pro Haval H6 Chery Tiggo 7 Pro These models are often targeted due to their resale value, parts demand, and, increasingly, use in cross-border vehicle smuggling syndicates. While carjackings in South Africa declined by 15.1% year-on-year (from 5,338 in Q4 2024 to 4,533 in Q4 2025), Pretoria remains a high-risk area, particularly in the following precincts: Here are the hotspots in Pretoria: Pretoria West Mamelodi East & Mamelodi West Sunnyside Akasia Temba Hijackings in Pretoria often occur: Near major intersections and traffic light stops. In driveways during arrivals/departures. Around shopping centres and transport hubs. What is the modus operandi? Criminals typically operate in small armed groups, often using follow-home tactics. Electronic jamming and surveillance of daily routines are standard methods used to select victims. Also read: Here are the most dangerous suburbs in Pretoria Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
5 days ago
- IOL News
South African man in court after Limpopo cops foil attempt to smuggle Toyota to Zimbabwe
Police said Mikael Mlambo, 31, was arrested following a high-speed chase along the N1 South while he was driving a stolen Toyota Corolla Cross towards Beitbridge port of entry. Image: SAPS A 31-year-old man, Mikael Mlambo, is on Wednesday scheduled to appear before the Polokwane Magistrate's Court in Limpopo after he was arrested when police intercepted a stolen Toyota Corolla Cross sport utility vehicle which was being driven towards the Beitbridge port of entry. Provincial police spokesperson in Limpopo, Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba told IOL that Mlambo was remanded in custody, and the court postponed the matter to Monday next week. Mashaba said the matter was postponed to allow for the profiling of the arrested man. He said police have since established that Mlambo is a South African national. Earlier, IOL reported that the grey SUV that was driven by Mlambo in Limpopo was reported stolen earlier this month, around Pretoria central. 'On Friday, 16 May 2025, members of provincial Flying Squad were busy conducting routine patrol duties when they received intelligence information about a grey Toyota Corolla Cross SUV vehicle that was reported stolen this month,' said Mashaba. 'The vehicle was allegedly travelling at high speed along the N1 South public road and was destined to be smuggled to Zimbabwe.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. The police immediately commenced an intensive search for the stolen vehicle until it was positively spotted driving outside Polokwane. Police officers attempted to stop the speeding vehicle, but the driver refused to yield. Provincial police spokesperson in Limpopo, Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said the grey SUV was reported stolen earlier this month, around Pretoria central. Image: SAPS 'A car chase ensued until the vehicle was intercepted at Nirvana robots. It was searched and police suddenly discovered a damaged tracking device removed from the vehicle,' said Mashaba. Police said Mlambo could not produce authentic documentation proving ownership, and he was immediately placed under arrest. He was charged for possession of a suspected stolen motor vehicle. Meanwhile, provincial commissioner of police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has saluted the law enforcement team which intercepted and recovered the vehicle. She urged the team to continue in their concerted efforts to combat cross border crimes. On Tuesday, IOL reported that the Polokwane Magistrate's Court has remanded 43-year-old Zimbabwean national Mhlalisi Moyo in custody after he was arrested in Limpopo for possession of a suspected stolen motor vehicle. IOL News
The Citizen
6 days ago
- The Citizen
SANDF and SAPS recover stolen Gauteng cars being smuggled out of SA
SANDF and SAPS recover stolen Gauteng cars being smuggled out of SA Vehicles reported stolen in Pretoria and Germiston, along with luxury goods, were recovered in Limpopo by the SANDF and police during separate incidents this past week. Pretoria Rekord reports the vehicles were intercepted while allegedly en route to being smuggled out of the country. Joint Tactical Headquarters Limpopo recovered the luxury vehicles and Adalya Premium hookah tobacco (hubbly), with an estimated total value exceeding R2m. Captain Moses Semono from the SANDF says that during a routine foot patrol between Echo Station 1 and Sediba sa Tau (Lion's Well), members of the 10 Anti-Aircraft Regiment intercepted a Ford Ranger V6 Double Cab valued at R849 500 and a Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid GR valued at R540 000. 'Upon further investigation with the assistance of Operation 'Vala Umgodi' and police, it was discovered that the Ford Ranger had been reported stolen in Germiston and the Toyota Corolla Cross in Brooklyn, Pretoria.' Semono explains that in a separate incident, another Toyota Corolla Cross valued at R460 000 was confiscated after being abandoned by suspects in the Limpopo River. 'This vehicle was also found to be stolen from Brooklyn but is registered to Nestlé South Africa in the North West.' Semono adds further efforts at the Malala turn-off road, with the support of Kawai Tracker Company, led to the recovery of another Toyota Corolla Cross valued at R561 700. 'The suspects involved fled on foot across the Limpopo River and abandoned the vehicle,' Semono says. He adds that additionally, at Echo Station 3, members confiscated assorted hubbly flavours valued at R54 500. 'All the recovered vehicles and tobacco have been handed over to the police for further processing.' Commanding officer of Joint Tactical Headquarters Limpopo Colonel Dikgabane Herold Tladi expressed his commendation to law enforcement members for their outstanding work. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
6 days ago
- The Citizen
Law enforcement agencies recover valuable stolen Pretoria vehicles
Vehicles reported stolen in Pretoria and Germiston, along with luxury goods, were recovered in Limpopo by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and police. The vehicles were intercepted while allegedly en route to being smuggled out of the country. Joint Tactical Headquarters Limpopo successfully recovered the luxury vehicles and Adalya Premium Hookah Tobacco (hubbly) with an estimated total value exceeding R2-million Captain Moses Semono from the SANDF said during a routine foot patrol between Echo Station 1 and Sediba sa Tau (Lion's Well), members of the 10 Anti-Aircraft Regiment intercepted a Ford Ranger V6 Double Cab valued at R849 500 and a Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid GR valued at R540 000. 'Upon further investigation with the assistance of Operation 'Vala Umgodi' and Police, it was discovered that the Ford Ranger had been reported stolen in Germiston and the Toyota Corolla Cross in Brooklyn, Pretoria.' Semono said separately, another Toyota Corolla Cross valued at R460 000 was confiscated after being abandoned by suspects in the Limpopo River. 'This vehicle was also found to be stolen from Brooklyn and but is registered to Nestlé South Africa in the North West Province.' Somono said further efforts at the Malala turn-off road, with the support of Kawai Tracker Company, led to the recovery of another Toyota Corolla Cross valued at R561 700. 'The suspects involved fled on foot across the Limpopo River and abandoned the vehicle,' Semono said. He said additionally, at Echo Station 3, members successfully confiscated Adalya Premium Hookah Tobacco (hubbly) assorted flavours valued at R54 500. 'All the recovered vehicles and tobacco have been handed over to the police for further processing.' Commanding officer of Joint Tactical Headquarters Limpopo, Colonel Dikgabane Herold Tladi, expressed his commendation to law enforcement members for their outstanding work. Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
