By Obakeng Maje
The case of possession of counterfeit cigarettes involving Mozambican and Pakistani nationals has been postponed until 18 October 2013. The accused, Mkamlia Mlayo (37) and Ejuaz Ahmed (34) were granted R1000.00 bail after appearance before the court today.
“The two were arrested at Rhenosterfontein farm in Rustenburg after police got a tip-off about illegal cigarettes at the farm. Police were performing duties as part of Operation Platinum belt in line with strategies of Mine Crime Combatting Forum (MCCF) that was launched last week Wednesday when they got information regarding illegal cigarettes at Rhenosterfontein” colonel Sabata Mokgwabone said.
Mokgwabone said the police responded to the information promptly where upon arrival they found cigarettes being off loaded from the truck onto another truck and a bakkie. The suspects ran away upon seeing the police, but the latter managed to arrest them.
A total of 995 boxes, each containing 50 cartons to the estimated value of R13 million (Thirteen million rand) were found in the vehicles.
“The success follows successful policing of Marikana Commemoration on Friday last week whereby 100 traditional weapons were confiscated from people who were on a bus from Impala Platinum which was en route to Marikana for commemoration. The operations will continue in an effort to curb criminal activities around Mines and surrounding areas through partnership with MCCF stakeholders, partners and the broader communities” he concludes.-TDN
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