Zuko Komisa
- Contraband cigarettes, tobacco, and three suspected stolen minibuses worth R2.6 million were intercepted near the Ficksburg border.
- Seven Lesotho nationals were apprehended during a coordinated multi-agency patrol involving the SANDF and SAPS.
- The operation highlights intensified border security efforts to curb the illegal trade of tobacco and vehicle theft.
A joint security operation near the Ficksburg border has led to the arrest of seven Lesotho nationals and the seizure of contraband and vehicles valued at approximately R2.6 million.
On 27 March 2026, members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), the Border Management Authority, and the South African Police Service (SAPS) conducted coordinated patrols along the R26 and R70 routes.
During a vehicle checkpoint, soldiers from the 10 SA Infantry Battalion intercepted a white Toyota Quantum minibus.
A subsequent search revealed a significant haul of illegal tobacco products, including hundreds of cartons of Chief, Boss, RG, and Camel Light cigarettes, along with 13 bags of loose tobacco.
The driver and six passengers, all identified as Lesotho nationals, were taken into custody and are expected to appear in court shortly.
In a follow-up operation on the same day, authorities intercepted two additional minibuses and a trailer suspected of being stolen. The seized goods and vehicles have been handed over to the Ficksburg SAPS for further forensic investigation.
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