Illicit cigarettes worth R160k seized after Limpopo high-speed chase

A 20-year-old foreign national was arrested by Limpopo police for allegedly trying to smuggle a substantial quantity of illicit cigarettes into the country.

The man’s arrest followed a high-speed chase with the police in the Zebediela policing area in the Capricorn District in Limpopo on Tuesday morning.

Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba says members of the Provincial Anti-Smuggling Task Team followed up on information about a Ford Ranger bakkie travelling from Musina that was loaded with illicit cigarettes.

“The vehicle was spotted near Bergenek, travelling at a high speed towards Zebediela. The officers signalled for the driver to pull over, but the suspect accelerated, leading to a dangerous pursuit.

“The chase ensued over several kilometres, with police officers maintaining a co-ordinated effort to apprehend the suspect,” Ledwaba says.

The chase ended when the suspect’s vehicle lost control at the Zebediela and Mokopane junction and stopped. The driver jumped out of the vehicle and tried to evade arrest but was swiftly apprehended.

“Upon inspection, officers discovered 26 boxes of illicit cigarettes concealed within the vehicle. The suspect did not possess a valid driver’s licence or documents to be in the country.

“The illicit cigarettes have an estimated street value of R160 000. The vehicle was seized as part of the investigation,” Ledwaba says.

Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe commended the team for their swift response and commitment to combating the illegal trade of contraband goods in the province.

“The suspect will be charged with smuggling illicit goods, reckless and negligent driving, driving a motor vehicle without a valid driver’s license and contravening the Immigration Act 13 of 2002.”

He will soon appear before the Mokopane Magistrate’s Court.