A foreign national has been arrested in Wepener for possession and dealing in illicit cigarettes, as well as contravening the Immigration Act, following a disruptive operation by the Vala Umgodi Operation members.
On Tuesday, 15 July 2025, at approximately 20:45, members of the Vala Umgodi Operation were conducting stop-and-search duties in Wepener location as part of a self-initiated disruptive operation.
During their duties, the team intercepted a white Toyota Quantum with Gauteng province registration numbers. Upon searching the vehicle, members found two foreign nationals with one unable to produce any legal immigration documentation.
The driver of the vehicle initially presented copies of a passport, claiming the original documents were at his residence. The operational team then proceeded with him to a residence on Louw Street in Wepener, where he subsequently produced an expired passport.
While searching his apartment, the officers discovered nine boxes containing illicit cigarettes with an estimated street value of R90 000-00, stored in a dedicated room.
The 37-year-old male was immediately arrested on charges of possession and dealing in illicit cigarettes, and for contravention of the Immigration Act. He is expected to appear in the Wepener Magistrate’s Court soon.
Investigations continue.
