TWO ACCUSED SENTENCED SEPARATELY FOR MOTOR VEHICLE RELATED CRIMES IN LIMPOPO

MOKOPANE: The Polokwane and Mokopane Regional Courts have separately sentenced two accused to 18 and 07 years direct imprisonment for motor vehicle related crimes on Tuesday, 12 May 2026.

In the first matter, the Polokwane Regional Court sentenced 30-year-old Prince Tshanduko Kgopana to 18 years direct imprisonment for theft of a motor vehicle.

The accused was arrested on 12 February 2024 along the N1 next to Peter Mokaba Stadium after he was found driving a Toyota Hilux double cab valued at approximately R900 000. The vehicle had been reported stolen in Pretoria and was destined to be smuggled out of the country through the Beitbridge Port of Entry. The case was investigated by Sergeant David Makwela of Polokwane Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit.

The accused Prince Tshanduko Kgopana was subsequently convicted and sentenced to 18 years direct imprisonment.

In a separate matter, the Mokopane Regional Court sentenced 34-year-old Bhekamaswazwi Hlatshwayo to an effective seven (07) years direct imprisonment for possession of a stolen motor vehicle and reckless and negligent driving.

The accused was arrested on 12 November 2025 after he was found driving a Toyota Corolla Cross valued at approximately R600 000, which had been reported stolen in Gauteng Province and was being transported towards the Beitbridge Port of Entry. The case was investigated by Sergeant Letlotlo Ledwaba of Provincial Investigating Unit.

The court sentenced the accused Bhekamaswazwi Hlatshwayo as follows:

* Count 1: Possession of stolen motor vehicle — Five years imprisonment

* Count 2: Reckless and negligent driving — Two years imprisonment

The court ordered that the sentences should not run concurrently, resulting in an effective seven (07) years direct imprisonment.

The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, welcomed the sentencing, and she praised members involved in the successful arrests and prosecution of the accused.

Listen Perfect Radio live and more local stories on www.perfectradio.co.za