In a dramatic turn of events at Thaba Tshwane, South Africa, a group of criminals attempted to steal three vehicles from a military base but were swiftly apprehended by a combat unit.
On Sunday, May 4, 2025, five suspects from Mamelodi attempted to steal civilian vehicles at Tek Base, part of the Thaba Tshwane military complex. Their plan was thwarted when alert soldiers, acting on intelligence and reports from military police, discovered a white Toyota Fortuner suspected to be stolen near the engineering formation. A second vehicle, a white Kia with fake license discs, was also found in the suspects’ possession, indicating a possible organized vehicle theft syndicate.
The soldiers coordinated with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Military Police, leading to the swift arrest of all five suspects. The vehicles were impounded for forensic investigation, and the suspects were handed over to SAPS Lyttelton for detention.
Footage circulating online shows the suspects lying on the ground, surrounded by armed military personnel. In one video, a soldier sternly questions a suspect: “Why did you steal the cars?” The suspect mumbles incoherently, struggling to answer, highlighting the tension and gravity of the situation.
Rear Admiral Prince Tshabalala of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) commended the soldiers for their professionalism and bravery, emphasizing that military bases are secure zones and any unlawful activity within them will face the full force of the law.
This incident underscores the ongoing challenge of vehicle theft in South Africa, with criminal syndicates targeting popular models like the Toyota Fortuner. The swift response and coordination between military and police forces serve as a strong message to criminals operating near military establishments.
