Three taxi operators were arrested on Thursday, 08 January 2026, after they mistakenly confronted and threatened police officers during an anti-smuggling operation.
The incident occurred in the Musina policing area. Members of the Limpopo Provincial Tracking Team were traveling in an unmarked vehicle on the N1 near the Sasol garage when they were stopped by a white Toyota Corolla. The Corolla was fitted with white strobe lights and bore local taxi patrol stickers.
Believing the unmarked police vehicle was transporting hitchhikers between Musina and Makhado without their “permission,” the three occupants of the Corolla unlawfully confronted the SAPS members. They pointed a firearm at the officers, threatened them with a sjambok, and attempted to exercise unauthorized policing powers
The police officers immediately identified themselves and reacted tactically. The suspects attempted to flee but were swiftly apprehended.