Three Arrested in Pretoria Over Alleged Illegal Movement into Zimbabwe

PRETORIA – Three men, including a father-and-son duo, have appeared in court following their arrest in an intelligence-led operation targeting alleged cross-border smuggling networks facilitating illegal movement into Zimbabwe. The suspects Stellio Gilles Robert Capo Chichi (45), Khonsou Seba Capo Chichi (18), and alleged facilitator François van der Merwe were arrested on April 13, 2026, in Brooklyn, Pretoria.

The operation was conducted by South Africa’s South African Police Service, led by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation through its Crimes Against the State unit, with support from the Tactical Operations Management Section and Crime Intelligence’s Counter Terrorism unit. Police said the arrests followed intelligence linking the suspects to facilitating illegal crossings into Zimbabwe via the Limpopo River, a route frequently used for irregular migration.

“SAPS can confirm that the three accused were arrested during an intelligence-driven operation after information was received regarding the facilitation of illegal movement into Zimbabwe through the Limpopo River,” police said in a statement.

Authorities intercepted the suspects during a sting operation at a shopping centre in Pretoria, where a payment of approximately R250,000 is believed to have been made to facilitate the illegal crossing. Police recovered cellphones and around R318,000 in cash, which has since been seized as part of the investigation. Investigators believe the operation may have been part of a broader human smuggling network, with plans for the individuals involved to continue onward to Europe.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Stellio Capo Chichi is allegedly a wanted fugitive in both France and Benin for offences relating to crimes against the state. With assistance from Interpol, South African authorities have confirmed his wanted status in Benin.

“The Hawks, working with Interpol, have confirmed the accused's status as a wanted fugitive in Benin,” SAPS said.

The trio briefly appeared in court on Wednesday, where the matter was postponed to April 20, 2026. All three accused were remanded in custody as investigations continue. Authorities indicated that extradition processes are now underway, particularly in relation to the international charges facing Capo Chichi. Security analysts say the case highlights growing efforts by regional law enforcement agencies to dismantle organised smuggling networks operating across Southern Africa.

The Limpopo River remains a known hotspot for illegal crossings, often exploited by syndicates facilitating migration and trafficking. Experts warn that such operations are increasingly sophisticated, requiring coordinated responses between countries and international policing bodies.

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