Polokwane. A white Toyota Land Cruiser bakkie reported stolen during a violent carjacking and kidnapping on a farm in the Vhembe district was later located partially submerged in the Limpopo River, Limpopo police said on Monday.
What happened
Police said the incident occurred on 8 August 2026 at about 11:30 on a local farm near Tshamutumbu. According to provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, four unknown suspects confronted the victim, carrying a firearm and a knife. The suspects allegedly demanded the vehicle, forced the owner into the loading area of the bakkie and covered his face before driving off.
“The suspects reportedly demanded the victim’s vehicle. They then forced him into the loading area of the vehicle and covered his face before driving away with him,” said Colonel Ledwaba.
Where the victim and vehicle were found
Chief investigators said the man was later released and dropped at another farm close to the Limpopo River while the suspects continued in the stolen vehicle. The bakkie — a white Toyota Land Cruiser valued at about R700,000 — was recovered abandoned and partially submerged in the middle of the river.
When police examined the vehicle they noted that the battery and spare wheel were missing, suggesting the suspects removed parts before abandoning the bakkie.
Police response and appeals
There have been no arrests. Provincial police said inquiries are ongoing and investigators are pursuing all leads. Members of the public who may have information that could assist the probe are being asked to come forward.
- Investigating officer: Sergeant Manyaga Freddie
- Contact number for the investigating officer: 082 565 7907
- General crime reporting options: nearest police station, Crime Stop 08600 10111, or the MySAPS App
Practical implications for farmers and rural residents
Farm attacks, vehicle hijackings and abductions remain a major concern in rural parts of Limpopo. The recovery of a high-value vehicle in the river underlines how quickly suspects may attempt to dispose of property or remove parts to hinder identification. Rural residents are advised to:
- Keep family and farm workers informed of movement and expected return times;
- Report suspicious vehicles or people to SAPS immediately; provide registration numbers, descriptions and directions of travel if possible;
- Consider simple security measures such as locking gates, marking tools and vehicle parts, and maintaining communication channels (phones, radios) at outbuildings.
Vehicle and contact details
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | White Toyota Land Cruiser bakkie |
| Estimated value | R700,000 |
| Missing from vehicle | Battery and spare wheel |
| Investigating officer | Sergeant Manyaga Freddie — 082 565 7907 |
| Other reporting options | Nearest police station, Crime Stop 08600 10111, MySAPS App |
Context and next steps
Provincial police said they will continue forensic and field enquiries. No further details about the perpetrators were provided and investigators did not disclose whether the victim sustained injuries.
Anyone with dashcam footage, witness observations or information about the missing battery, spare wheel or persons seen near the river on the morning of 8 August 2026 is urged to contact Sergeant Freddie or to report anonymously to Crime Stop. Police emphasised that even small details can assist in building a case and locating those responsible.
Local communities with knowledge of recovery or salvage operations along the Limpopo River are particularly asked to speak to SAPS, as parts from high-value vehicles are sometimes sold or fitted to other vehicles soon after thefts.
Reporting incidents promptly and preserving potential evidence — such as photographs, video clips or detailed descriptions — helps investigators. SAPS said it remains committed to following all lines of inquiry and bringing suspects to account.
