Tinaye Agere
Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
A Zimbabwean truck driver, Matthews Ncube (46) has been arrested by South African police at the Groblersbrug port of entry which borders the neighbouring country with Botswana for attempting to smuggle a significant quantity of illicit creams.
The contraband was worth an estimated R126 000, 00.
Limpopo police spokesperson, Colonel Malasela Ledwaba said the man has since appeared before the Lephalale Magistrate’s Court where he was remanded in custody until 6 June 2024 for formal bail application.
“The suspect, who is a foreign national from Zimbabwe, was intercepted during a routine inspection at the border post. The operation, led by vigilant officers stationed at Groblersburg, took place on the evening of Tuesday, 21 May 2024,” said Col Ledwaba.
“The officers conducted a thorough search of the suspect’s truck, which resulted in the discovery of multiple containers of illicit creams concealed within the cargo area. The contraband, valued at approximately R126-000-00 was immediately confiscated.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the creams were intended for illegal distribution within South Africa. The suspect is facing charges related to smuggling and contravention of customs regulations”.
Limpopo police commander, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, said, “We are committed to combating illegal smuggling activities and protecting our borders. We will continue to enhance our efforts to prevent such crimes”.
A few weeks ago, a 36-year-old Zimbabwean was jailed for an effective 26 years by a Lephalale Regional Court for trying to smuggle out of South Africa via Botswana a contraband of dried abalone shell fish with R8, 300, 160.
Of late there has been a shift by smugglers to the South Africa and Botswana border following the tightening of screws on illegal activities along the Limpopo River and at the Beitbridge Border post by security agents from Zimbabwe and South Africa through joint patrols.
Online Reporter