LIMPOPO POLICE SUCCESSFULLY THWART ILLICIT CIGARETTES SMUGGLING
POLOKWANE The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe is elated about the ongoing efforts of members of the SAPS who continue to deal decisively with the smuggling of illicit cigarettes, through coordinated operations and proactive response. These dedicated men and women in blue relentlessly continue to stamp authority of the state by
successfully thwarting criminal elements and stopping them from committing crime in the Province.
The Provincial Commissioner’s bold statement comes after several arrests were made and illicit cigarettes worth millions were confiscated in different parts of the Province.
On Tuesday, 12 September 2023 at about 18h00, the Police in Musina were conducting routine patrol together with members of the Flying Squad and Community Policing Forum when they spotted a white suspicious Mercedes Benz along Tshipise road. The vehicle sped off and the members gave chase. The vehicle was ultimately cornered and one occupant jumbed out of the vehicle and fled on foot.
Police searched the vehicle and seized 340 master cases of illicit cigarettes worth R84 000,00 as well as the motor vehicle.
” Our members’ vigilance led to the interception and seizure of a substantial quantity of the illicit cigarettes, which would have otherwise found their way into our streets, posing a potential threat of collapsing the economy of our country and posing health risks to our residents and undermining public Safety.
The successful operations underscore our commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting the well-being of our community. We recognize the harmful consequences of illegal cigarette trade, both in terms of the economy and the potential funding of other criminal activities.We will leave no stone unturned in turning the tide against those who commit trans-national crimes.
We encourage the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior or activities they encounter,” Concluded Lieutenant General Hadebe.
Anyone with information regarding this incident can contact Lieutenant Colonel Nthantheni Richard Ndou on 082 414 6683 or the Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or the nearest Police Station or MySAPS app.
