LIMPOPO – A 45-year-old Zimbabwean national has been remanded in custody after allegedly attempting to smuggle manufactured tobacco worth about R3.8 million into South Africa through the Groblersbrug Port of Entry.

Shumba Munetsi appeared in the Phalala Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, August 26, following his arrest by Saps Border Policing members two days earlier.

Hidden compartment discovered

Police allege that Munetsi was driving a truck towing a trailer when it was stopped for inspection early Monday evening.

The truck and trailer were initially inspected before being referred for a more thorough search.

According to police, the driver said the trailer was carrying gas. Officers became suspicious after finding a concealed hatch underneath the trailer, which appeared to provide access to the inside.

Police allege that Munetsi then admitted the trailer was not carrying gas but was being used to transport tobacco products.

521 bags of tobacco seized

A search of the concealed compartment uncovered 521 plastic bags containing about 7 294kg of suspected manufactured tobacco, valued at approximately R3 800 000.

The truck and trailer, with a combined estimated value of R1.8m, were also seized.

Court appearance

Munetsi faces charges relating to the alleged smuggling of the tobacco.

His case was postponed to August 31 for a formal bail application. He remains in custody.

The investigation is continuing, with police working to establish where the suspected illicit tobacco originated, where it was headed and whether other people were involved.