Eighth soldier arrested in SANDF vehicle smuggling case
The SANDF member was arrested during the continuous sting operation dubbed "Night Vigil".
LIMPOPO – The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) on Wednesday confirmed that an eight suspect has been arrested in connection with a vehicle smuggling operation that was conducted between 2019 and 2020.
The 30-year-old member of the South African Defence Force (SANDF) was arrested in the Northern Cape on September 15, said Hawks spokesperson Capt Matimba Maluleke.
The first seven suspects, which included two lance corporals and five privates were arrested in Free State, Northern Cape and North West provinces, respectively in June during a sting operation between the Hawks, National Intervention Unit and SANDF members dubbed “Night Vigil”.
He added that this brings the total number of SANDF members arrested in relation to cross-border crimes to eight.
The suspect will appear in the Musina Magistrate’s Court today (September 16) on a charge of corruption.
Read more: SANDF members granted bail in vehicle smuggling case
His seven co-accused, Rapula Reuben Maidi (49) from Ikageng, Edward Lepokola (48) from Sebokeng, Bulelani Danti (29) from King Wiliams Town, Ludwe Gwedashe from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Thembani Mjelo (31) from East London, Marks Funeka (49) from Carletonville, Peter Thato Namane (51) from Soshanguve, are out on R3 000 bail each and they will appear again on October 25.
The eight accused were deployed at the Beitbridge Border Post between 2017 and 2019. “It is alleged that during their deployment period, they connived with vehicle smuggling syndicates to smuggle stolen vehicles through the Limpopo River in exchange for money,” Maluleke said.
He added that according to investigations the suspects would reportedly demand R15 000 per vehicle.
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