By BAKANG MOKOTO
24 November 2024– Two Zimbabwean foreign nationals aged 47 and 50, were arrested for being in possession of illicit cigarettes worth R1.6 million. The suspects were arrested but the Potchefstroom Crime Intelligence, Potchefstroom Flying Squad, and Ventersdorp Visible Policing during a crime intelligence-led operation 22 November 2024.
According to the North West police spokesperson, Colonel Amanda Funani, Ventersdorp Visible Policing received a tip-off regarding a suspicious Volvo Truck, that was traveling from Rustenburg to Gauteng Province. Funani said a follow-up was made, and the truck was spotted and stopped along the R30 road for a search.
“During the search, the police discovered 124 boxes containing 50 cartons of Remington gold cigarettes worth R1.6 million inside the truck. As a result, two suspects were arrested after failing to account for the possession.
“The pair is expected to appear before the Ventersdorp Magistrate’s Court on 25 November 2024,” she said.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated the units involved for working together in the fight against illicit economic activities. Kwena said the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) is investigating.
“The public is urged to report Crime by calling the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or the MySAPS application anonymously. Extortion-related incidents can be reported on the Extortion hotline on 080 091 1011.
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