POLICE have arrested two undocumented foreigners who were found in possession of illicit cigarettes worth R1,5 million.
The suspects, who are Lesotho and Zimbabwean foreign nationals aged 31 and 42, were arrested along the R521 Dendron road in Limpopo on Tuesday, 5 September.
This was during a joint operation that was executed in the Capricorn District by members of the Limpopo tracking team, Capricorn Flying Squad and Olivier Anti-Corruption Unit, which led to the significant arrests of the duo.
This after members of the crime intelligence unit provided information about a truck that was escorted by heavily armed suspects who were driving in two bakkies that were heading towards Polokwane. They then commenced with a manhunt for the suspects.
Limpopo police spokesman Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the convoy was spotted driving along the R521 Dendron road, adding that the two bakkies which were escorting the truck immediately drove off into different directions upon seeing the police.
“The Hino truck with two occupants was stopped and searched. Subsequently, police discovered that the truck was loaded with 273 master boxes of illicit Remington Gold cigarettes with a street value of R1,5 million,” he said.
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Ledwaba said the two were immediately arrested and the truck, estimated to be valued at R700 000, was seized. Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects were in the country illegally during the commission of the crime.
“They are expected to appear in the Mogwadi Magistrates Court soon facing charges of Contravention of the Immigration Act and dealing and possession of illicit cigarettes. Police investigations are continuing,” said Ledwaba.
Limpopo police commissioner Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe applauded the team for their vigilance, which led to the arrest of the suspects.
