FESTIVE season operations are intensifying, and have already clamped down on illicit cigarette smugglers.
This after four suspects, aged between 24 and 51, were arrested on Tuesday, 7 December, in Polokwane in Limpopo for allegedly smuggling R1 million worth of illicit cigarettes in a truck.
The arrest followed a tip-off about a Superlink Volvo truck carrying a consignment of illicit cigarettes concealed in scrap canisters.
The truck had managed to pass through the Beitbridge Border Post. It was later spotted on the N1 and R71 intersection on the outskirts of Polokwane, where the cigarettes were recovered and suspects arrested.
Limpopo police spokesman, Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo said three of the suspects would also be charged with contravening the Immigration Act.
Two more suspects, aged 23 and 35, were also arrested in Mphephu Village outside Makhado for possession of illicit cigarettes valued at R1 612 000.
“The arrests were made during an intelligence-led operation, where 124 boxes of Remington Gold cigarettes and one Toyota Quantum minibus were seized,” said Mojapelo.
He said two other suspects, aged 22 and 32, were arrested for alleged stock theft in Mahwelereng, Mokopane.
“This after police received information about a grey Nissan bakkie pulling a trailer loaded with suspected stolen livestock,” he said.
Mojapelo said the vehicle was spotted along the N11 road and pulled over, where 54 goats and eight sheep, with an estimated value of R90 000, were found.
“Suspects were arrested.”
Over 1 500 suspects were also arrested during an ongoing festive season operation conducted across Limpopo since 29 November.
“They were arrested for various offences including murder, robberies, rape, sexual offences, burglary business, stock theft, possession of stolen property, car theft, possession of illicit cigarettes and dealing in drugs,” he said.
Police commissioner, Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe expressed appreciation for the sterling work.
She said police would stop at nothing to ensure the festive season was celebrated in a safe and peaceful environment.
