A Cape Town luxury transport company is fighting to recover a high-end Mercedes-Benz V300 Brabus valued at up to R2 million after a fraudster allegedly used fake documents to rent the vehicle before smuggling it across the border into Zimbabwe. The van later resurfaced for sale on Facebook Marketplace, sparking a cross-border investigation.
The incident began two weeks ago when a man approached Ndalo Transportation pretending to be a legitimate client. Using forged identity documents and a fraudulent driver’s licence, he booked the Mercedes-Benz V300 Brabus for five days at a costly R40 000 per day. The company accepted the payment in cash, a decision they now admit should have been a major warning sign.
Not long after the vehicle was collected, the company noticed something suspicious—the tracking device had been removed and discarded in Cape Town’s CBD. As Ndalo Transportation attempted to locate the van, the alleged fraudster mocked them by sending a video in which he insulted the company. He later sent another clip showing himself driving the luxury vehicle through Joe Slovo in Dunoon, accompanied by two men and loud music.
With limited leads, Ndalo Transportation turned to social media for help, hoping that residents might spot the van. However, the case took an unexpected twist when a fellow transport operator found the same vehicle listed for sale on Facebook Marketplace in Zimbabwe. The listing described the van as a “2023 model in immaculate condition” with a full leather interior, sunroof, and luxury extras. It was listed for just over R2 million, with the seller even offering to consider a vehicle swap.
A transport industry contact immediately notified Ndalo Transportation. The company then contacted authorities in Zimbabwe, who managed to locate the van at a local police station. Ndalo Transportation confirmed that the vehicle is now secured across the border as officials work on the process of returning it to South Africa.
Meanwhile, questions remain about the identity of the fraudster. According to a police source, the documents used during the rental were genuine—but belonged to someone else. The real suspect is still at large and was reportedly seen at a Cape Town casino earlier this week, suggesting he has not fled the country.
The South African Police Service has opened a case of unauthorised use of a motor vehicle and attempted extortion. SAPS spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk confirmed that the investigation is being handled by Milnerton police, and no arrests have been made.
Ndalo Transportation is now reviewing its internal procedures to prevent similar incidents. The company admitted that accepting cash payments and failing to thoroughly verify the documents created opportunities for fraud. They are also strengthening their fleet tracking systems after the quick removal of the tracking device caught them off guard.
The case underscores growing challenges faced by luxury vehicle rental businesses, including sophisticated fraud operations, cross-border smuggling, and the misuse of online platforms like Facebook Marketplace to sell stolen vehicles. As authorities work with their Zimbabwean counterparts, Ndalo Transportation hopes that the lengthy process of returning the luxury van will be completed soon.
For now, the R2 million Brabus remains at a Zimbabwean police station while investigators piece together the full extent of the elaborate scam.
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