GIYANI – THREE people who were arrested in connection with the possession of illegal cigarettes estimated at a value of R1,2 million will appear before the Giyani magistrate’s court tomorrow (Thursday).
Giyani police spokesperson, WO Thomas Makhubele said the postponement was allowed in order to give the accused time to arrange for legal representation. Their formal bail application would be heard tomorrow.
He said the illegal cigarettes were seized the day before Christmas when two police officials on highway patrol spotted a suspicious-looking vehicle next to the road between Giyani and Mooketsi.
“The vehicle was on the side of the road and looked like it was about to pull onto the road, but it slowed down when the driver saw our police officials driving by,” Makhubele explained.
“When the police officials stopped to inspect the vehicle, the driver, who also had a passenger in the car, sped off onto a gravel road,” he continued, adding that a chase ensued which resulted in the arrest of the suspects.
Makhubele said the driver lost control of the vehicle and hit a pole.
Upon their arrest, one of the suspects asked to make a call to someone to help them to arrange bail.
“The person they called showed up at the scene with R10 000 and allegedly asked for the two to be released. However, the police turned down this offer and arrested him with the two other suspects. He was charged with bribery while the first two suspects were charged with being in possession of illegal cigarettes,” Makhubele said.
The suspects, Meshach Mbirha (34), Innocent Majajati (29) and Whisper Maisairi (25) are all from Zimbabwe. Referring to the alleged bribery incident, Makhubele said this would serve as a lesson to other criminals who tried to bribe the police.
