By Agencies

SOUTH AFRICA: Police and soldiers recovered a stolen vehicle after a shootout with suspects who fled across the border into Zimbabwe.

The incident occurred near Musina on Friday morning, 16 April, at about 09:00, after police received a tracking alert for a vehicle stolen in the Krugersdorp area in March.

Members of the Musina borderline unit responded after the vehicle was spotted travelling at high speed towards the river on the western side of the border. Police gave chase and alerted members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).

When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, the occupants allegedly opened fire, leading to a shootout. The suspects then abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot into Zimbabwe while continuing to fire shots.

Zimbabwean authorities were notified and conducted a search, but no arrests were made. The vehicle, a grey Toyota Prado valued at about R700,000, was recovered and seized.

Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said: “The suspects opened fire on members during attempts to stop the vehicle, and a shootout ensued.

They later abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot across the border into Zimbabwe.”

He said investigations are ongoing.