POLOKWANE – A 20-year-old foreign national has been arrested by the Limpopo police for attempting to smuggle a substantial quantity of illicit cigarettes into the country.

The man’s arrest follows a high-speed chase with the police on Tuesday morning within the Zebediela policing area in the Capricorn District.

Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said members of the Provincial Anti-Smuggling Task Team followed up on information about a Ford Ranger bakkie traveling from Musina loaded with illicit cigarettes.

“The vehicle was spotted near Bergenek, traveling at a high speed towards Zebediela. The officers signaled for the driver to pull over, but the suspect accelerated, leading to a dangerous pursuit. The chase ensued over several kilometers, with police officers maintaining a coordinated effort to apprehend the suspect,” Ledwaba said.

The high speed chase ended when the suspect’s vehicle lost control at the Zebediela and Mokopane junction and stopped. The driver then jumped out and tried to evade the arrest but was swiftly apprehended.

“Upon inspection, officers discovered 26 boxes of illicit cigarettes concealed within the vehicle. The suspect did not possess a valid driver’s license and documents to be in the country. The illicit cigarettes have an estimated street value of R160 000 and the vehicle was also seized as part of the investigation,” Ledwaba added.

The provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe commended the team for their swift response and commitment to combating the illegal trade of contraband goods in the province.

“The suspect will be charged with smuggling illicit goods, reckless and negligent driving, driving a motor vehicle without a valid driver’s license and contravening the Immigration Act 13 of 2002. He will soon appear before the Mokopane Magistrate’s Court,” he concluded.