Mokopane court imprisons man for eight years over two stolen Gauteng vehicles

A Mokopane Regional Court has handed down an effective eight-year prison sentence to a man convicted in connection with two vehicles reported stolen in Gauteng.

Who was convicted and why

The court convicted 35-year-old Lucky Msizi Tshabangu on charges relating to possession of stolen motor vehicles and reckless and negligent driving. The convictions followed two separate arrests linked to Toyota Corolla Cross vehicles that had been reported stolen in Gauteng.

Arrests and course of events

According to The Citizen, Tshabangu was arrested on 18 May 2025 in Mokopane by members of the Limpopo Provincial Tracking Team while driving a Toyota Corolla Cross reported stolen in Gauteng. Police said he failed to stop for officers while travelling towards the Beitbridge Port of Entry, which led to a high-speed pursuit and his arrest. He was later released on bail.

In September 2025, he was arrested again at the Beitbridge Port of Entry while driving another Toyota Corolla Cross reported stolen in Gauteng. After this second arrest, his bail was revoked and the matters were consolidated for trial in the Mokopane Regional Court.

Sentencing details

On Monday (June 1), the court imposed the following sentences:

• Count One: Receiving a stolen motor vehicle – five years’ imprisonment.
• Count Two: Reckless and negligent driving – two years’ imprisonment.
• Count Three: Receiving a stolen motor vehicle – six years’ imprisonment.

The sentences on counts one and two will run concurrently, resulting in an effective sentence of eight years’ direct imprisonment.

Investigation and police response

The investigation was led by Det Sgt Lucas Letlotlo Ledwaba of the Provincial Investigation Unit. Limpopo provincial commissioner Lt Gen Thembi Hadebe welcomed the sentence and commended the investigating officer and members of the Provincial Tracking Team for their work on the case.

Police said the sentence reflects ongoing efforts to combat vehicle-related crime and the movement of stolen vehicles across South Africa’s borders.

Publisher notes

According to The Citizen, “At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention.”

According to The Citizen, the Northern Media Group prints and publishes four local newspapers: The Review, Bonus Review, Capricorn Voice, Bosveld Review and Polokwane Observer.