POLOKWANE – Members of the Limpopo Provincial Flying Squad, on Friday, intercepted five high-powered vehicles loaded with illicit cigarettes worth over R1m, leading to the arrest of three suspects and the death of another during a high-speed chase.

Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the chase unfolded on the R519 Bergenek road toward Zebediela when a black SUV from Polokwane failed to stop. It was loaded with illicit cigarettes.

“The vehicle collided with a truck, overturned and the driver, a foreign national died at the scene. The truck driver and a passenger sustained injuries and were taken to a local hospital,” his statement read.

Ledwaba adds that two additional suspects, a South African and a foreign national were arrested in a Toyota SUV, while a third foreign national was arrested in a white bakkie.

“Both vehicles contained illicit cigarettes. Another two cars, a luxury sedan and a charcoal bakkie were recovered in Bergenek in the Westenburg policing area, also loaded with illicit cigarettes. An unknown number of suspects fled the scene,” he said.

All five vehicles, including the one involved in the accident, were seized while cases of culpable homicide and possession and transportation of illicit cigarettes were opened.

“The identity of the deceased suspect is still unknown. The three suspects between the ages of 38 and 47 are scheduled to appear before the Magatle Magistrate’s Court on Monday (August 26),” Ledwaba said.

The provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe commended the members for their persistence in ensuring the suspects were apprehended and the illicit cigarettes recovered.

Hadebe further highlighted the ongoing fight against the smuggling of illicit goods, emphasizing the SAPS’ commitment to addressing cross-border crimes.