In an effort to curb illicit economy-related crimes, Members of the SAPS Provincial Tracking Team reacted promptly and arrested two suspects in the early hours of today, 25 April 2022 at about 03:00 along the N1 north near Lious Trichardt and subsequently recovered illicit cigarettes worth R1,7 million.
The suspects were intercepted following a tip-off about a group of suspects allegedly traveling in a number of vehicles transporting illicit cigarettes from Zimbabwe to South Africa. The four vehicles were spotted driving in a convoy and police tried to stop them but they sped off. A car chase ensued and the suspects abandoned the vehicles and ran on foot toward the nearby farms.
Police managed to arrest two of the suspects aged 37 and 45. The four vehicles were searched and about 130 boxes containing illicit cigarettes worth R1,7 million were confiscated.
The suspects will appear before the Makhado magistrate’s court tomorrow, Tuesday 26 April 2022 facing charges of dealing in illicit cigarettes and contravention of the illegal immigration Act.
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has applauded the members for their vigilance and determination that resulted in the success and appealed to community members to assist the police with their investigation into the arrest of the remaining suspects.
The search for the remaining suspects continues. Anyone with information that can lead to their apprehension should contact Detective Sergeant Phaladi Makola on 082 749 2233 or Lieutenant Richard Boshomane on 079 894 5501 or the Crime Stop number 0860010111or the nearest police station.
Police investigations continue.
