Kingpin who smuggled vehicles to Zimbabwe from SA in court

Vincente Sebastiao, widely known as “Deco” Khoza (33), faced charges in the Modjadjiskloof Periodical Court today after being apprehended by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit based in Musina.

Khoza stands accused of possessing a suspected stolen vehicle as part of an alleged syndicate involved in smuggling stolen vehicles across borders.

The investigation, led by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in Limpopo Province, centres around the illicit transportation of stolen vehicles from South Africa into neighbouring countries, particularly through the Beitbridge Port of Entry.

The incident leading to Khoza’s arrest unfolded in September 2023 when Modjadjiskloof police engaged in a routine stop-and-search operation.

Spotting a Toyota GD6 bakkie behaving suspiciously, authorities attempted to intercept it. The driver evaded capture, initiating a high-speed pursuit that concluded with the abandonment of the vehicle on the R81 road near Mooketsi.

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Further inquiries revealed that the Toyota GD6 bakkie had been reported stolen in Brooklyn, Gauteng Province, in 2023.

The Hawks, known for their thorough investigations, linked Khoza to the crime, alleging his involvement in a broader network responsible for smuggling stolen vehicles within the country.

Khoza’s arrest occurred at the Soshanguve Magistrate’s Court, where he was already facing charges related to possession of a vehicle jamming device.

A warrant of arrest was subsequently issued against him, connecting him to the suspected stolen vehicle case.

Believed to be part of a larger operation intending to smuggle the recovered Toyota GD6 bakkie into Zimbabwe through Beitbridge Port of Entry, Khoza’s case has been adjourned to Wednesday, 24 January 2024, for ongoing investigations. Authorities remain committed to dismantling criminal networks engaged in the illegal trade of stolen vehicles.