The Provincial Commissioner of police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, commended the Anti-Smuggling Task Team for their exceptional dedication and performance in combatting illicit activities across the province since its inception in December 2023.
The team, comprising of specialised detectives, has been instrumental in disrupting smuggling operations and seizing vehicles worth millions of rands.
Through strategic interventions and collaborative efforts with relevant stakeholders, such as the private security, the team has demonstrated unparalleled dedication and commitment in rooting out vehicle smuggling.
A total of 23 suspects were arrested and 20 high powered 4×4 vehicles worth approximately R17 million were seized. The vehicles were all robbed in Gauteng province and were intercepted at various parts of the province en route to be smuggled through the Beitbridge and other port of entries.
In the recent arrest effected yesterday, Thursday, 25 April 2024 at Mall of the North in Polokwane, a 36-year-old male suspect was arrested en route to Beitbridge Port of Entry from Gauteng. The seized Toyota Rav 4 was reportedly stolen in Silverton, Tshwane district.
On the same day, a 31-year-old male suspect was intercepted in Musina, driving a Ford Ranger loaded with 10 boxes each containing x 50 500ml of Bronclear with Codeine Cough Syrup en route to be smuggled into Zimbabwe through the Beitbridge Port of Entry.
Police also confiscated illicit cigarettes with an estimated street value of R150,000-00 at Matswale Extension 10 following a tip-off. Upon arrival at the said address, police found the vehicle matching the description circulated however, the driver was nowhere to be found. It was then searched and 25 master boxes of Remington and 46 cartons of cigarettes were found loaded inside the Toyota GD6 and seized together with the vehicle.
The Provincial Commissioner extended gratitude to all members of the Anti-Smuggling Task Team for their ongoing efforts to disrupt criminal networks involved in smuggling activities, which pose significant threats to national security and economic stability,” remarked Lieutenant General Hadebe.
Vehicles worth millions recovered by Anti-Smuggling Task Team https://t.co/wXoK83e190#ArriveAlive #StolenVehiclesRecovered #Enforcement @SAPoliceService pic.twitter.com/z0nu76ClGu
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) April 27, 2024