Zuko Komisa
- SAPS intercepted a white UD truck on the R59 route carrying R3.7 million worth of illicit cigarettes.
- Crime Intelligence tracked the vehicle from Gauteng before local officers stopped it at an intersection near Sasolburg.
- Two men, aged 43 and 60, were detained and face charges for transporting the illegal tobacco on behalf of a third party.
South African Police Service (SAPS) officers in the Sedibeng District have intercepted a white UD truck carrying illicit cigarettes worth roughly R3.7 million. The intelligence-led operation, which took place on Wednesday afternoon, resulted in the arrest of two suspects.
Crime Intelligence units first received a tip-off on Tuesday regarding a truck transporting illegal tobacco from Gauteng toward QwaQwa via the R59 route.
Acting on the information, police units closely monitored and tracked the vehicle’s movements as it travelled through Vereeniging and Sasolburg.
At around 16:30 on Wednesday, officers confirmed the truck had passed Vereeniging. Sasolburg Infrastructure members were alerted and stopped the vehicle at the R82 and R57 four-way intersection.
The truck was then escorted to Zamdela police station for a thorough search, uncovering the large consignment.
The two suspects, aged 43 and 60, were arrested at the scene. Preliminary enquiries suggest they were transporting the cigarettes on behalf of an individual based in Springs.
Both men are expected to face charges for the possession and transport of illicit cigarettes as the Sedibeng District SAPS continue their investigation.
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