Two suspects aged 35 and 41 have been arrested in
connection with the matter.
Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo
said the two suspects were arrested on Tuesday while transporting the ‘cargo’
from Musina towards All-Days in two vehicles.
“The vibrant partnership between the Police and the Rural
Safety structures under Saamboubrug policing area led to the apprehension of
two suspects and confiscation of illicit cigarettes today on Tuesday January
18, 2022 at about 5am,” said Brig Mojapelo.
“We received a tip-off from local farmers in the area,
about two NP300 Nissan pickup trucks that were travelling from Musina using the
Alldays road, transporting illicit cigarettes and heading towards Saamboubrug
policing area.
“A snap operation was conducted by the local police,
assisted by the farmers at Maasstroom crossroad with the intention of stopping
and searching the vehicles.”
He said the suspects were arrested following a high speed
chase after they failed to stop at a security check point.
Brig Mojapelo said the suspects were arrested in the Tolwe
policing area.
One driver was arrested on the spot while the other
abandoned the vehicle and was later found hiding in the bushes.
“The illicit cigarettes, with an estimated value of R667
326, were found loaded in the two motor vehicles and were confiscated. The
suspects, aged 35 and 41 are expected to appear before Senwabarwana
Magistrate’s Court soon for possession and smuggling of illicit cigarettes,”
said Brig Mojapelo.
The smuggling of cigarettes between South Africa and
Zimbabwe is rife.
It is estimated that 43 percent of cigarette brands sold in
the neighbouring country are from Zimbabwe.
Herald
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