POLOKWANE – Police seized illicit cigarettes worth an estimated R50 400 and a vehicle valued at R110 000 after a chase through villages outside Mankweng on Monday evening.

Sebayeng police and Capricorn Highway Patrol officers received information about a bakkie allegedly being used to transport illicit cigarettes.

The bakkie was spotted on the R71 at about 7:00 PM and police attempted to stop it, but the driver refused to pull over and sped away.

Chase ends at Makotopong village

Officers pursued the vehicle from Ga-Mothiba until it was intercepted at Makotopong village.

Two men who were inside the bakkie abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot into the darkness.

Vehicle and cigarettes seized

Police searched the abandoned bakkie and discovered illicit cigarettes. The vehicle and cigarettes were seized as part of the ongoing investigation.