Six taillight theft charges for Mozambican man as Rustenburg bakkie owners count the cost
Lovrenco Zunguza, 30, was arrested on 9 October and will apply for bail on 3 November, Tlhabane SAPS says, with more charges expected.
A 30-year-old Mozambican national, Lovrenco Zunguza, has been charged with six counts of theft from motor vehicles in Rustenburg North, Tlhabane SAPS said in a statement issued through the office of the North West provincial commissioner.
Zunguza was arrested on 9 October 2026 and appeared before the Rustenburg Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 12 October 2026 and again on Friday, 16 October 2026. The matter was postponed to Tuesday, 3 November 2026 for a bail application.
According to the police statement, the cases involve the theft of rear taillights from Toyota and Isuzu bakkies. Zunguza faces six charges, and the police say additional charges are expected.
Acting Sub-District Commissioner Brigadier Selala Pheto commended Tlhabane SAPS members for their dedication and commitment in making the breakthrough. He urged motorists to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the police to help combat crime.
Police investigations are continuing.
For bakkie owners in Rustenburg North, the case is a reminder of how quickly a parked vehicle can be stripped of parts that are expensive to replace. Taillight assemblies on Toyota and Isuzu models are a common target because they can be removed without breaking into the cab.
The statement is a police media summary rather than the court record itself, and the charges have not been tested in court. Zunguza is presumed innocent until the case is decided.
Enquiries on the matter can be directed to Warrant Officer Ofentse Mokgadi on 082 856 1190.
The source document is available at https://www.saps.gov.za/newsroom/msspeechdetail.php?nid=71980.
