FOREIGN NATIONAL SUSPECT BUSTED FOR POSSESSION OF ILLICIT CIGARETTES WORTH AN ESTIMATED VALUE OF OVER R450,000 IN MUSINA FOLLOWING A SPEED CHASE
POLOKWANE: A multi-disciplinary operation, consisting of the South African Police Service Operation Vala Umgodi Mission Area Joint Operation Centre (MAJOC), Roving Team, and National Counterfeit Unit, resulted in a significant bust on Monday, 20 January 2025. The operation led to the arrest of a 30-year-old foreign national male found in possession of illicit cigarettes valued at over R450,000.
At approximately 04:00, during routine patrols along the N1 in Musina, Vhembe District, officers identified a suspicious Mercedes Benz with Gauteng registration. When the team tried to intercept the vehicle, the driver attempted to evade arrest by fleeing at high speed and driving recklessly.
A pursuit ensued, and when the suspect realized he was cornered, he bumped one of the police vehicles while trying to reverse. He eventually abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. The police team continued their pursuit, capturing the suspect shortly thereafter.
Upon searching the vehicle, officers found numerous cartoons of Remington Gold and Royal Express illicit cigarettes, with an estimated street value of R452,872. The vehicle, valued at R95,000, was also confiscated.
In addition to charges of possession of illicit cigarettes, the suspect was found to be in the country illegally and now faces charges related to the contravention of Immigration Act. He is also charged with reckless and negligent driving, as well as malicious damage to state property.
Limpopo Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, commended the operational teams for their outstanding efforts in combatting crime, particularly in the fight against illicit trade. “The commitment demonstrated by the MAJOC Roving team is essential to ensuring the safety and security of our province,” she said.
The suspect will appear in Musina Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 22 January 2025.
