Officers of the Limpopo Provincial Flying Squad have intercepted a convoy of five “high-powered vehicles” believed to have been loaded with illicit cigarettes, and following a high-speed pursuit, apprehended three suspects, and seized illicit cigarettes worth over R1 million.
The chase occurred along the R519 Bergenek road towards Zebediela on 23 August, when a black Jeep from Polokwane, fully loaded with illicit cigarettes, failed to stop when heeded by officers. The Jeep collided with a truck, overturned, and the driver, a foreign national, died on the scene. The truck driver and passenger sustained injuries and were taken to a local hospital, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said in a statement.
Two additional suspects, a South African and a foreign national, were arrested in a Toyota Rav 4, while a third foreign national was arrested in a white Ford Ranger, with both vehicles containing illicit cigarettes. A white Mercedes Benz van and charcoal Ford Ranger were recovered at Bergenek village in Westenburg policing area, still loaded with illicit cigarettes. It is believed an unknown number of suspects fled the scene before officers arrived.
All five vehicles, including the Jeep involved in the accident, were seized. Cases of culpable homicide, and possession and transportation of illicit cigarettes have been opened. The identity of the deceased suspect is still unknown.
Limpopo Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, applauded the persistence of officers, who pursued the suspects and recovered the illicit cigarettes. Hadebe further highlighted the ongoing fight against the smuggling of illicit goods, emphasizing the SAPS’ commitment to addressing cross-border crimes.
Last month, South Africa Police Service officers in the Free State, in conjunction with the South African Revenue Service (SARS), confiscated illicit cigarettes and arrested a suspect for corruption.
On the evening of 25 July 2024, Ficksburg SAPS members received intelligence-led information about the delivery of illicit cigarettes to take place in the border town. Members swiftly responded and when searching the premises, 119 boxes of illicit cigarettes worth an estimated R1.5 million were found at a house.
External stakeholders, such as SARS, were summoned for further investigation. The suspect has appeared in the Ficksburg magistrate court and was remanded in custody to 1 August 2024 for formal bail application.
