SA police intercept smuggled goods

Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
South African police on Wednesday recovered a BMW X3 and an assortment of cigarettes worth thousands of dollars that were being smuggled along the Limpopo River.

The interceptions are reportedly part of Zimbabwe and South Africa security authorities’ clampdown on cross-border crimes along the border.

It is alleged that the vehicle, whose value is yet to be ascertained, was heading for Zimbabwe, while the cigarettes contraband was destined for Johannesburg.

Limpopo police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Moatshe Ngoepe said they have arrested a 38-year-old suspect, whom they found with the cigarettes.

His accomplices are still at large.

“The South African Police Service have once more intercepted motor vehicles, including a luxury SUV from being smuggled out of the country at the northern border between South Africa and Zimbabwe and in the process, confiscated packs of illegal cigarettes at different locations,” said Lt Col Ngoepe.

“The Crime Intelligence-driven operation comprising members of the Musina SAPS and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) followed up information that led to the discovery of a BMW X3 in the middle of the Limpopo River.

“The suspects abandoned the vehicle and fled to the other side of the river.

“The vehicle was then retrieved and towed back to South Africa”.

He said the operation was expanded to other areas of Musina. Three vehicles were intercepted smuggling cigarette.

One of the vehicles sped off.

It was later found abandoned along Waterpoort Road.

Lt Col Ngoepe said the other vehicle was cornered at Sebayeng next to Turfloop in the Mankweng Cluster outside Polokwane.

“The suspect, aged 38 was subsequently arrested and illegal cigarettes confiscated. The following items were seized during this operations: one VW Polo, 8831 bricks of Pacific blue cigarettes straight boxes, 714 cartons of illegal cigarettes to the estimated value of R 158 215-00 and one Toyota Etios.

“We are still tracing the other suspects involved in these incidents,” he said.