Illicit cigarettes worth R1.5m confiscated near Polokwane
The suspects are believed to be Lesotho and Zimbabwean nationals who were in the country illegally during the commission of the crime.
Two illegal immigrants are expected to appear the before the Mogwadi Magistrate’s Court soon on charges relating to the contravention of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002 as well as dealing and possession of illicit cigarettes.
Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba says the duo, aged 31 and 42, were yesterday arrested along the R521 (Dendron road), near Polokwane.
“The suspects were spotted after members of the Crime Intelligence Unit provided information about a truck enroute to Polokwane that was escorted by heavily armed suspects driving in two bakkies, and a manhunt ensued,” his statement reads.
The convoy was spotted on the Dendron road and the two bakkies escorting the truck drove in different directions when they spotted police and evaded arrest.
A Hino truck with two occupants inside was stopped and searched, and 273 boxes of illicit Remington Gold cigarettes with a street value of R1.5m was confiscated.
“The suspects are believed to be Lesotho and Zimbabwean nationals who were in the country illegally during the commission of the crime,” Ledwaba adds.
The duo were immediately arrested and the truck, estimated to be valued at R700 000, was also seized.
Ledwaba told Polokwane Review that a manhunt has been launched for the suspects that evaded arrest.
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