Picture: Boxes of illicit cigarettes confiscated at Skilpadhoek Port of Entry, near Zeerust/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
A Zimbabwean man who was arrested at Skilpadhoek Port of Entry for allegedly trying to smuggle illicit cigarettes valued at R12 million will remain in custody. A truck driver, Joseph Kuselwa (44) briefly appeared at the Lehurutshe Magistrate’s Court and his case was postponed until 27 July 2023 for formal bail application.
The North West police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Amanda Funani said it was during load shedding, when Kuselwa who was from Botswana, entered South Africa through Skilpadhoek Port of Entry at around 6:40am. She said a police officer, who was patrolling along the border, allegedly saw the truck leaving the border and driving towards Zeerust.
“The police allegedly informed his commander. The truck was chased and stopped before it reached Zeerust. The driver was ordered to drive back to Skilpadhek Port of Entry. SARS and Customs members were requested to inspect the truck and boxes of cigarettes, which the driver failed to declare at customs, were discovered inside the truck.
“The driver was arrested by the North West Provincial Anti-Corruption Investigating Unit (ACIU) for allegedly trying to smuggle illicit cigarettes worth more than R12 million. Trucks entering or leaving the country are not allowed to do so during load shedding at Port of Entries, since computers are off-line,” she said.
Funani said the police officer, who allowed the truck to leave the border is being investigated and charges of defeating the ends of justice could be added when the investigations are concluded.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena congratulated the North West Provincial Anti-Corruption Investigating Unit for the sterling job and for making sure that, the suspect was arrested. Kwena further said, corrupt police officers will not be tolerated and they will face the full might law.
He added that, the case was handed over to the Hawks in North West for further investigations.
The Guardian 