Rwanda has officially handed over five vehicles to the Government of South Africa after they were impounded at different border points following alerts from the INTERPOL Stolen Motor Vehicle Database.
The handover, coordinated between the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) through INTERPOL, highlights Rwanda’s steadfast commitment to combating transnational organized crime and strengthening international law enforcement cooperation.
The vehicles, a Jeep Grand, Range Rover, Toyota Rush, Toyota Hilux, and Toyota RAV4, were seized between 2019 and 2025 at the Gatuna, Rusumo, and Bugarama border posts.
Each had been registered in neighbouring countries, including Uganda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, before being traced to theft or fraud cases in South Africa.
| No. | Make/Model | Registration | Date Reported / Date Seized | Place of Seizure |
| 1 | Jeep Grand | Uganda Reg. | 14 Oct 2022 / 16 Jan 2023 | Gatuna Border |
| 2 | Range Rover | Tanzania Reg. | 11 Apr 2022 / 25 May 2024 | Rusumo Border |
| 3 | Toyota Rush | Uganda Reg. | 23 Nov 2022 / 06 Dec 2024 | Gatuna Border |
| 4 | Toyota Hilux | DRC Reg. | 19 Aug 2019 / 06 Jan 2025 | Bugarama Border |
| 5 | Toyota RAV4 | Tanzania Reg. | — / 16 Jun 2025 | Rusumo Border |
According to RIB, the vehicles were all destined for Rwanda when they were intercepted during routine database checks at the country’s borders. Once identified as stolen, they were intercepted and stored at RIB Headquarters pending communication and coordination with the country of origin.
“Our role is to assist INTERPOL member states upon request. Once a vehicle is confirmed in the database, the handover process begins,” said a senior RIB official.
However, authorities revealed that one of the biggest challenges in such international operations is the absence of a defined threshold period within INTERPOL procedures for keeping impounded property. Vehicles often remain in Rwanda for years, awaiting collection by their rightful owners or foreign authorities.
“There is no time limit on how long these vehicles can be kept, which creates logistical and financial strain. They occupy valuable storage space, require maintenance, and need constant follow-up reminders to countries of origin,” the official explained.
Since 2018, Rwanda has impounded 58 vehicles linked to stolen or fraudulent operations from various continents. Officials say the situation reflects a broader regional problem, where neighbouring countries increasingly serve as conduits for stolen vehicles being moved across borders into Rwanda or beyond.
“We are seeing criminal networks exploiting regional trade routes and porous borders. Stronger cooperation among neighbouring states is crucial to dismantle these trafficking corridors,” the RIB source noted.
RIB suggested that INTERPOL and member countries consider establishing a time-bound framework for handling impounded vehicles. If not reclaimed within a defined period, such vehicles could be auctioned, repurposed, or disposed of legally, to ease the burden on host nations.
Representing the South African Police Service, Lt. Col. Brian Butana Mashingó commended Rwanda’s professionalism and efficiency, describing the handover as “a model of African cooperation in protecting property rights and upholding the rule of law.”
RIB also used the opportunity to caution the public against buying unverified second-hand vehicles, urging citizens to consult INTERPOL National Central Bureaus (NCBs) before purchasing imported or used cars.
“This cooperation reflects Rwanda’s continued dedication to fighting cross-border crime and promoting responsible trade. Verifying vehicle origins is essential to avoid becoming part of illegal supply chains,” RIB said.
The handover reinforces Rwanda’s image as a reliable partner in global security efforts and renews the call for policy clarity on how long such vehicles can be held under INTERPOL coordination before being disposed of.
