Vincente Sebastiao, commonly known as “Deco” Khoza (33), faced charges before the Modjadjiskloof Periodical Court on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, after being apprehended by the Musina-based Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation members for the alleged possession of a stolen vehicle.
The investigation, led by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in Limpopo Province, focused on the smuggling of suspected stolen vehicles from South Africa into neighbouring countries through the Beitbridge Port of Entry.
In September 2023, Modjadjiskloof police conducted a stop-and-search operation and encountered a suspicious Toyota GD6 bakkie. The driver attempted to evade the police, leading to a high-speed pursuit until the vehicle was abandoned on the R81 road near Mooketsi.
Further investigation revealed that the vehicle had been reported stolen in Brooklyn, Gauteng Province, in 2023. The Hawks’ meticulous efforts connected the accused, Khoza, to the crime, indicating his alleged involvement in a syndicate responsible for smuggling stolen vehicles in the country. A warrant for Khoza’s arrest was authorized, leading to his apprehension at the Soshanguve Magistrate’s Court, where he was already facing charges related to possession of a vehicle jamming device.
The recovered stolen vehicle, a Toyota GD6 bakkie, was believed to be destined for smuggling into Zimbabwe through the Beitbridge Port of Entry. The case against Khoza has been rolled over to Wednesday, January 24, 2024, for further investigation. Authorities suspect that Khoza may be part of a larger criminal network involved in the illicit trade of stolen vehicles across borders.
