daglous masveta
Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
Security authorities from South Africa and Zimbabwe are intensifying their crackdown on cigarette smuggling activities between the two countries which have seen at least three consignments being intercepted in less than 10 days.
The first consignment worth R730 000 was intercepted last week in Musina following a high-speed car chase between the police and the suspect.
On Saturday the security team also intercepted a truckload with Remington gold cigarettes worth R14 000 000 at the Beitbridge Border Post.
Zimbabwean security officials are also carrying out an intensive crackdown on smuggling activities through a multi-agency joint task force led by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce.
Limpopo police spokesperson, Colonel Malasela Ledwaba said on Monday they also busted another smuggler with a load of cigarettes worth R450 000 in Musina.
“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, January 20, 2025,” said Col Ledwaba.
“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.
He said around 4am, during routine patrols along the N1 in Musina, Vhembe District, police officers identified a suspicious Mercedes Benz with Gauteng registration plates.
When the team tried to intercept the vehicle, he said, the driver attempted to evade arrest by fleeing at high speed and driving recklessly.
Col Ledwaba said the driver was pursued and cornered and he stopped the car and escaped on foot.
“The police team continued their pursuit, capturing the suspect shortly thereafter,” he said.
“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”.
The suspect is set to appear in Musina Magistrate’s Court soon.
daniel chigunwe
