1 killed in chase leading to R1m illicit cigarette haul near Polokwane

On Friday, members of the Limpopo Provincial Flying Squad intercepted five high-powered vehicles loaded with illicit cigarettes worth over R1m, resulting in the arrest of three suspects and the death of another during a high-speed chase.

Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba states the chase occurred on the R519 Bergenek road towards Zebediela when a black SUV from Polokwane, loaded with illicit cigarettes, failed to stop.

“The vehicle collided with a truck, overturned, and the driver, a foreign national, died at the scene. The truck driver and a passenger sustained injuries and were taken to a local hospital,” his statement reads.

Ledwaba adds that two more suspects, a South African and a foreign national, were arrested in a Toyota SUV, while a third foreign national was apprehended in a white bakkie. “Both vehicles were carrying illicit cigarettes. A luxury sedan and a charcoal bakkie, also loaded with illicit cigarettes, were recovered in Bergenek in the Westenburg policing area. An unknown number of suspects fled the scene.”

All five vehicles, including the one involved in the crash, were seized, and cases of culpable homicide and possession and transportation of illicit cigarettes were opened.

“The identity of the deceased suspect is still unknown. The three suspects, aged between 38 and 47, are scheduled to appear before the Magatle Magistrate’s Court on Monday (August 26),” adds Ledwaba.

Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe commended the officers for their persistence in apprehending the suspects and recovering the illicit cigarettes. Hadebe also highlighted the ongoing fight against the smuggling of illicit goods, emphasising the SAPS’ commitment to addressing cross-border crimes.