Police catch smugler
Moela said the driver of the truck, Lawrence Chirinda (34), who is originally from Zimbabwe, was arrested.
LYDENBURG – The SAPS in town made a huge breakthrough when illicit cigarettes with an estimated street value of R55 000 were confiscated on Tuesday.
According to Capt Alfred Moela, SAPS spokesman, members followed up on information received about a truck with the illegal goods that would be making its way from town to Johannesburg. “Police members were alerted and a truck matching the description was spotted on the Dullstroom/Roossenekal turn-off.
https://steelburgernews.co.za/262661/community-urged-report-suspicious-activity-local-saps/
The truck, a white Hino 714 with registration DG 89 MC GP, was pulled over. The driver was questioned about the goods at the back of the truck and admitted to carrying the cigarettes. SAPS members acted swiftly. Upon searching the truck, the boxes of cigarettes were discovered hidden away behind bags of chips.”
Moela said the driver of the truck, Lawrence Chirinda (34), who is originally from Zimbabwe, was arrested. “The boxes contained Chelsea and Pacific Blue illicit cigarettes. Those responsible for trying to smuggle these items out of town made sure to stash them at the back corner of the truck and covered them with bags of chips.”
https://steelburgernews.co.za/251513/breaking-saps-confiscate-thousands-counterfeit-goods/
According to Moela there are 45 cartons in each box. He confirmed that the estimated street value of the cigarettes is R55 000. Chirinda appeared in Lydenburg Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday. The truck was also impounded at the station.
