MAJOR SMUGGLING OPERATION THWARTED AFTER SIX SUSPECTS INTERCEPTED TOWARD HOEDSPRUIT WITH ILLICIT CIGARETTES WORTH R390 000

MAJOR SMUGGLING OPERATION THWARTED AFTER SIX SUSPECTS INTERCEPTED TOWARD HOEDSPRUIT WITH ILLICIT CIGARETTES WORTH R390 000

POLOKWANE: In a significant breakthrough in the fight against cross-border crime, a joint anti-smuggling operation has led to the arrest of six suspects and the seizure of illicit cigarettes valued at approximately R390 000. The successful operation was conducted on Thursday, 24 April 2025, through the collaborative efforts of the Limpopo SAPS Anti-Smuggling Team, Polokwane Tactical Response Team (TRT), and members of the Hoedspruit Farm Watch.

Operational teams, acting on reliable intelligence, tracked two suspicious vehicles, a 4-ton Toyota Dyna flatbed truck and a Toyota Hilux GD6 double cab, believed to be transporting illicit goods. The vehicles were traveling in convoy from the Beitbridge Port of Entry toward Hoedspruit and were intercepted on the R36 road near Hoedspruit.

A thorough search of the vehicles revealed that the Toyota Hilux, occupied by three males, was loaded with illicit cigarettes. All occupants were arrested on the scene. The Toyota Dyna was found to have a concealed compartment containing additional illicit cigarettes, and its three occupants were also taken into custody.

The suspects, all male and aged between 31 and 44, include five undocumented foreign nationals from Zimbabwe and one South African citizen. The South African suspect was found in possession of a licensed 9mm firearm, which has been seized for ballistic testing.

A total of 43 boxes of illicit cigarettes were confiscated. Both vehicles used in the operation were seized and will be forfeited to the state , as they were instrumental in the commission of a crime.

Commenting on the operation, the Acting Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Major General Samuel Manala, praised the teamwork and swift response of all role-players.

The six suspects are scheduled to appear before the Hoedspruit Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 29 April 2025 on charges of possession of illicit cigarettes and contravention of the Immigration Act.