Rwanda has handed over five vehicles stolen in South Africa and intercepted at its border posts over the past months, underscoring tighter regional coordination against organized crime.
According to Rwanda Investigation Bureau [RIB] the cars were seized separately as they attempted to enter Rwanda through different border posts namely Gatuna, Rusumo, and Bugarama. Investigators flagged them during routine checks after alerts claimed the vehicles had been trafficked from South Africa and moved across neighboring countries.
The formal handover took place at Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) Headquarters in Kigali. Rwanda was represented by Antoine Ngarambe, who leads the International Cooperation Department and serves as the country’s liaison for INTERPOL. South Africa sent Lt. Col. Brian Butana Mashingo, a commander within the specialized unit that tracks international vehicle crime.
Both sides framed the exercise as evidence that cooperation isn’t just paperwork. Vehicles stolen in Johannesburg or Durban don’t magically vanish once they cross a border. Networks are behind them, and these partnerships are part of dismantling those routes.
The move also signals Rwanda’s effort to make its borders tough for smugglers. Authorities here want the message to be clear. If you try to sneak stolen property into the country, expect to lose it and face charges.
INTO RWANDA understands that the South African delegation thanked Rwanda for what they called a responsible and determined stance against transnational criminals who thrive when neighbors ignore each other. It is only five vehicles but the collaboration shows a trend worth watching. Criminals adapt quickly and so must the states trying to stay ahead of them.
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