Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
FIVE members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), including a female soldier, together with two undocumented Zimbabwean nationals, are expected to appear before the Musina Magistrate’s Court today on a slew of charges.
These include corruption, possession of smuggled cigarettes, unlawful discharge of a firearm, defeating the ends of justice, contravention of the Immigration Act, unlawful possession of ammunition, and impersonating military officials.
In a statement, Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said the suspects, aged between 26 and 42, were arrested on Tuesday during a joint operation by the SAPS Limpopo Beitbridge Task Team and Military Intelligence.
He said their arrest followed an incident at Artonvilla, along the first Malaladrift road near the Limpopo River, where they allegedly conspired to intercept and steal a consignment of cigarettes that were being smuggled into South Africa.
Brig Mashaba said during the operation, shots were reportedly fired, forcing smugglers to abandon 24 boxes of cigarettes.
“Six boxes were later recovered inside a temporary military camp, resulting in the arrest of the SANDF members,” he said.
“Further investigations led to follow-up operations at several houses in Matswale, Musina. At Phase 12, police recovered eighteen rounds of live ammunition, six 303 rifle rounds and two pairs of SANDF uniforms.
“At another residence in Matswale Extension 9, police arrested two more suspects after recovering three 9mm live rounds and two pairs of SANDF uniforms. In Matswale Phase 9, a further suspect was arrested after being found in possession of one live 9mm round.”
