LIMPOPO – Police have arrested a 45-year-old man following the recovery of illicit cigarettes valued at about R570 000 after a collision involving multiple vehicles on the R81 outside Giyani.

Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the suspect is expected to appear before the Giyani Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, February 26.

Members of Giyani Visible Policing were responding to a report of a motor vehicle accident on Tuesday, February 24, when they were informed that vehicles travelling together had been involved in a collision.

Emergency Medical Services personnel who arrived at the scene noticed suspected illicit cigarettes inside one of the vehicles and alerted police.

VISPOL officers, assisted by the Provincial Organised Crime Unit, found three vehicles at the scene believed to be linked to one another. Three African male suspects were present.

As police approached to conduct further investigations, one suspect fled the scene on foot and remains at large, while the remaining two stayed behind.

A search of the vehicles led to the recovery of a large quantity of illicit cigarettes inside two of the cars. The third was found empty, with its driver claiming he had arrived to assist a relative involved in the collision.

One suspect, aged 45, was arrested and charged with possession of illicit cigarettes. All three vehicles were seized for further investigation.

Police investigations are continuing, including efforts to trace the suspect who fled the scene.

Anyone with information that may assist police is urged to contact the investigating officer, Sergeant Ian Mabasa, on 074 645 0000, Crime Stop on 08600 10111, the nearest police station, or use the MySAPS App.