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Luthando Mapepa Herald Correspondent
A Tanzanian national was last week arrested at Mount Selinda Border Post in Chipinge for allegedly trying to smuggle into Mozambique a BMW X4, which he reportedly stole at gunpoint in South Africa. Rajabu Ibrahim Ramadhani of Tanzania, who resides in Gipstown, Johannesburg in South Africa, was arrested while attempting to smuggle the stolen vehicle using fake documents at mount Selinda Border Post.

Chipinge District community relations and liaison officer Detective Assistant Inspector Daniel Mhini confirmed the incident, but did not divulge more as he referred question to his superiors.

“Yes, police have arrested a Tanzanian national, who was driving a BMW X 4 car stolen in South Africa, but I cannot shed more light as investigations are still under way with Interpol,” he said.

“We will furnish you with more details once we liaise with our counterparts in South Africa.”

According to sources close to the investigations, police in Chipinge received a tip-off from police in South Africa that a stolen vehicle from South Africa was being driven through Chipinge.

Police in South Africa notified police in Zimbabwe that the stolen vehicle was heading towards Espungabeira, Mozambique, after tracking it through their satellite tracking system.

“Detectives at Criminal Investigation Department swiftly reacted to the tip-off and intercepted what looks like an organised criminal syndicate at Mount Selinda Border Post,” said a police source.

“The culprit, Ramadhani, who resides in South Africa, approached the complainant, an unnamed South African national at house number 157 Mountainside road, Pinehaven Estate, Krugersdorp South Africa and robbed him of the vehicle at gun point.

“After snatching the vehicle, Ramadhani and the syndicate removed the registration number DJ45YD and fixed a fake registration plate, number NPN1106.

“They forged certificate of registration and police clearance. The forged certificate of registration identifies the accused as the legal owner of the BMW.

“The gang drove the vehicle towards Beitbridge where upon arrival at the customs officials they tendered the fake documents that deceived the customs officers and were subsequently issued with a temporary import permit that would allow them to travel to Malawi through Mount Selinda Border Post, Chipinge.”

According to the source, luck ran out for the Tanzanian after the complainant activated the tracking system with the help of police in South Africa.

Ramadhani is expected to appear in court this week facing car-jacking charges, while the recovered vehicle is being kept at Chipinge CID offices.