By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
The driver (55) who was arrested for being in possession of illicitcigarettes worth R1.5 million, remanded in custody until 5 July 2024. Sabelo Mampane briefly appeared before the Zeerust Magistrate’s Court. The North West poloce spokesperson, Col Adele Myburg said the police received a tip-off from an attentive farmer on 27 June 2024, regarding suspicious activities on his farm in Zeerust. Myburgh said this led to the arrest of Mampane and the recovery of illicit cigarettes worth R1.5 million.
“It is alleged that the police responded to a call from a farmer, who spotted a unknown truck parked on his farm. On arrival, the police approached the truck and found the man inside. Upon searching the truck, illicit cigarettes were found and the man was arrested, while the truck and cigarettes were confiscated.
“The investigations into the matter are underway by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI). This is the second bust of illicit cigarettes within three days. In the first incident, police and South African National Defence Force (SANDF), confiscated illicit cigarettes with an estimated street value of R8 million in Makgobistad on 25 June 2024,” she said.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, commended the farmer for his vigilance and cooperation, which led to the discovery and subsequent arrest of the suspect.
The Guardian 