SANDF members and foreign nationals arrested in Musina anti-smuggling operation

Zuko Komisa

Five SANDF soldiers and two foreign nationals have been arrested in Musina, Limpopo, on charges including corruption and possession of illicit cigarettes.
The arrests followed an unauthorised anti-smuggling operation by the SANDF members, where illicit goods were allegedly seized and hidden at a military base.
The suspects are set to appear in the Musina Magistrates’ Court on 18 September 2025.

Five members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and two Zimbabwean nationals have been arrested in an intelligence-led operation in Musina, Limpopo, following an alleged unauthorised anti-smuggling operation.

The arrests were made on the morning of 16 September 2025.

The incident is alleged to have taken place around midnight when a group of SANDF members, in collaboration with two Zimbabwean nationals, attempted to intercept a group of smugglers transporting illicit cigarettes into South Africa.

Shots were reportedly fired during the incident, and some contraband was allegedly hidden at the Artonvilla (Sediba sa Tlou) military base.

[PICTURES] pic.twitter.com/GhoFAcqdKn

— Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (@CrimeWatch_RSA) September 18, 2025

Joint Investigation Uncovers Hidden Contraband

Following a tip-off, a joint operation by the SANDF Military Police, Military Intelligence, and the South African Police Service (SAPS) was launched. Investigators discovered six boxes of illicit cigarettes hidden inside the base, in addition to 18 boxes that had already been handed over to the South African Revenue Service (SARS).

The suspects initially tried to obstruct the investigation but eventually cooperated after senior SANDF officers intervened.

The five SANDF members and the two foreign nationals were arrested and are in custody. They are scheduled to appear in the Musina Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 18 September 2025. They face charges of corruption, possession of illicit cigarettes, unlawful discharge of a firearm, and defeating the ends of justice.

The SANDF has stated that it takes these allegations very seriously, as such conduct undermines the integrity and public trust placed in the defence force. The SANDF is cooperating fully with other law enforcement agencies to ensure justice is served.