SAPS busts KZN–Mozambique cross-border vehicle smuggling ring

South African police have broken up a sophisticated vehicle smuggling syndicate responsible for moving stolen vehicles from KwaZulu-Natal into Mozambique, following a targeted intelligence-led investigation that exposed the scale and coordination of the operation.

SAPS confirmed that the syndicate specialised in stealing vehicles across northern KZN before rapidly transporting them through rural routes to evade detection. Once stolen, the vehicles were fitted with falsified registration documents and had their vehicle identification numbers altered to avoid being flagged by law enforcement systems.

Investigators say the group relied on speed, insider knowledge and weakly monitored border crossings to move vehicles across the Mozambican border, where they were either sold illegally or dismantled for parts. Many of the vehicles were reported stolen only hours before being intercepted.

The operation came to a head when police intercepted several vehicles near the border, leading to multiple arrests. Subsequent raids uncovered equipment used to tamper with engine and chassis numbers, as well as counterfeit licence discs and registration certificates.

Police said the breakthrough highlights the increasing sophistication of organised vehicle crime syndicates and the importance of coordinated policing between specialised units. Authorities believe the network may be linked to broader cross-border crime operations, including trafficking and fraud.

Investigations are continuing, with SAPS indicating that further arrests are likely as officers work to identify additional suspects, facilitators and possible collaborators within the system.

Law enforcement has urged vehicle owners to take preventative measures, including installing tracking devices and ensuring secure parking, warning that vehicle theft remains one of the primary drivers of organised crime in South Africa.