Limpopo cops intercept illicit cigarettes of more than R1 million
Police stopped four vehicles at various roadblocks in a joint operation, with all four drivers giving chase once spotted by police.
Illicit cigarettes worth more than R1 million were intercepted during a joint police operation which was conducted near Musina on Friday, 15 May.
According to a statement issued by Police Spokesperson, Brig Motlafela Mojapelo, members of the police, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and traffic services received a tip-off about travellers transporting illicit cigarettes, and a roadblock was set up on the road from Tshipise to the N1 North.
Mojapelo said four vehicles, a Mazda sedan, Nissan paddle van, Toyota Quantum and a Chrysler SUV were stopped at various intervals.
“The bakkie reportedly sped off and turned into a nearby gravel road. A car chase ensued and the driver eventually lost control of the vehicle, ramming it into a fence. The driver and his passengers abandoned the vehicle and ran into nearby bushes. Meanwhile, the Toyota Quantum also failed to stop and both the driver and passenger jumped from the moving vehicle and escaped.
The vehicle ultimately hit a pole and came to a halt. The driver of the Mazda made a U-turn in an attempt to evade arrest, but police gave chase. The driver and his passengers abandoned the vehicle and also fled into nearby bushes. The last vehicle was also abandoned by the suspects.”
Police officers searched all vehicles, and discovered illicit cigarettes worth with an estimated value of R1,454 million in three of the vehicles.
This included 57 boxes with 50 cartons in each box, 87 boxes of Remington Gold cigarettes with 21 cartons and two 20-packets, and a 15 Master box with 47 cartons and seven packets of cigarettes.
The fourth vehicle, the Chrysler, is suspected to have been stolen. The origin and destination of the recovered property will be determined by an ongoing investigation, Mojapelo added.
The police urge anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of those involved in the matter, to contact Col Mamuhoyi at 082 414 6683, the 24-hour Crime Stop number at 0860010111 or their nearest police station.
The Provincial Police Commissioner, Lt Genl Nneke Ledwaba commended the police members for their vigilance and commitment which resulted in the confiscation of the illicit cigarettes and vehicles.
The interception of the cigarettes comes at a time when South Africans are prohibited, under regulations pertaining to the Disaster Management Act, from buying cigarettes. Several reports have indicated that the situation has seen a spike in the trade of illicit cigarettes in the informal market.
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