FIVE SANDF MEMBERS AND TWO ZIMBABWEAN NATIONALS APPEAR IN COURT
Musina, Limpopo – Five members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), Tshabadira Macdonald (28), Peterson Waydon (29), Tshivhenga Khuliso (42), Maphukhumela Khodani Abel (29), and Modisa Evah Mmaphuthi (39), together with two Zimbabwean nationals, Mutavhatsindi Livhuwani (27) and Chauke Perfious (27), briefly appeared in the Musina Magistrates’ Court. They face charges of possession of illicit cigarettes, possession of ammunition, and defeating the ends of justice. In addition, the two Zimbabwean nationals face charges under the Immigration Act. The five SANDF members were each granted bail of R5 000, while the two Zimbabwean nationals were remanded in custody without bail.
It is alleged that on 16 September 2025, at Artonvilla base (known as Sediba Sa Tlou), the SANDF members intercepted a group of smugglers in possession of 24 master boxes of Remington Gold cigarettes worth an estimated R300 000. The accused allegedly declared only 18 boxes to the South African Revenue Service (SARS) Customs, while the remaining six boxes were hidden in their rooms at the base.
Police were alerted to the discrepancy and, upon searching the premises, found six master boxes of Remington Gold cigarettes concealed under the SANDF members’ beds. Two civilians were also discovered hiding at the base. The accused were immediately arrested.
The case was postponed to 14 November 2025 for further investigation. The two Zimbabwean nationals will remain in custody until their next court appearance.
