By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
21 April 2026 – Two accused, Alam Kuruneri (35) and Nelson Ngwenya (32) briefly appeared in the Mogwase Magistrate’s Court on 20 and 21 April 2026, respectively, on charges of contravention of the Customs and Excise Act 91 of 1964. It is alleged that on 17 April 2026, members of Mabeskraal SAPS spotted a white truck with two occupants and stopped it.
The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Warrant Officer Nkosinathi Ndlovu said a passenger reportedly fled on foot soon after the truck had stopped. Ndlovu said it is reported that the police requested the driver to open at the back of the truck.
“Upon searching the truck, the police reportedly found fully packed 239 boxes of different types of cigarettes concealed in garbage plastics. The recovered cigarettes are estimated at the value at R2.5 million.
“The driver failed to give proper explanation to the police about the recovered cigarettes. He was subsequently placed under arrest for possession of illicit cigarettes,” he said.
Ndlovu further said an investigation conducted by Rustenburg-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation led to the arrest of the second suspect, who had fled on foot on 17 April 2026. He added that both accused appeared in court and their matter was postponed to 28 April 2026, for formal bail application.
Meanwhile, the North West Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Provincial Head, Major General Nombuso Khoza, commended the team for ensuring that the accused are brought to justice.
The Guardian 