Limpopo – Two foreign nationals have been arrested and three high‑value vehicles recovered after a shootout at the South Africa–Zimbabwe border in the Madimbo area, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has confirmed.
SANDF troops were conducting a routine patrol in the Madimbo region when they spotted a speeding Toyota Fortuner acting suspiciously near an illegal crossing point into Zimbabwe.
Soldiers attempted to stop the vehicle, but the occupants opened fire, forcing the troops to return fire in self‑defence.
“A brief exchange of fire took place after the suspects refused to stop and instead opened fire on our soldiers,” a SANDF spokesperson said.
“The suspects then fled across the border on foot, abandoning the vehicle”.
SANDF arrest two foreign nationals and recovers three high-value vehicles at the South Africa–Zimbabwe borderhttps://t.co/4RxGDss6s8#ArriveAlive #VehicleCrime @SANDF_ZA @TzaneenV pic.twitter.com/e3DTpKrrUB
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) January 7, 2026
Following the initial clash, SANDF units launched a mop‑up operation with backup support and discovered not only the Toyota Fortuner but also a hidden Volvo XC60 and a Toyota Hilux in the area. All three vehicles were recovered and handed over to the South African Police Service (SAPS) for further investigation.
“The three high‑value vehicles have been secured and are now in the custody of SAPS, who will determine their origin and whether they are stolen or involved in other criminal activity,” the SANDF spokesperson added.
The two foreign nationals who fled the scene were later apprehended and are now in custody. They are expected to face charges related to illegal possession of a firearm, attempted illegal crossing, and possession of suspected stolen property.
Police have launched a joint investigation with SANDF and border authorities to establish where the vehicles were stolen from and whether there are additional suspects involved in cross‑border vehicle theft and smuggling.
SANDF has reiterated its commitment to securing South Africa’s borders and disrupting cross‑border crime. “Our soldiers remain on high alert in high‑risk border areas like Madimbo, and we will continue to work with SAPS and other partners to combat illegal crossings and vehicle theft,” the spokesperson said.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
