Cops turn down R50K bribe over R4m cigarette bust

Three suspects were arrested in Erasmia, Pretoria for illicit cigarette trading, and contravention of national Disaster Management Act.

MEC for community safety Faith Mazibuko confirmed the arrests and said that the police had confiscated 208 boxes of illicit cigarettes with each box containing 100 cartons after conducting the operation.

The total estimated value of all boxes stood at R4.16 million, according to the MEC.

Three suspects arrested in Erasmia for illicit cigarette trading, and contravention of National Disaster Regulation act/2020.

208 boxes of Illicit Cigarettes were confiscated. Each box contains 100 cartoons. Total estimated value of all boxes is R4, 16 million.

Well done SAPS pic.twitter.com/AVfrvsxRhy

— MEC Faith Mazibuko (@FaithMazibukoSA) May 15, 2020

Mazibuko further said that the suspects allegedly attempted to bribe the police officers by paying an amount of approximately R50,000.

She said a bribery charge was added onto their crimes and also praised the officers for taking action.

During the above mentioned Operation, the suspects tried to bribe the Police Officers by paying an amount of R50 000. A charge of bribery was added. pic.twitter.com/4wUZrwhOXV

— MEC Faith Mazibuko (@FaithMazibukoSA) May 15, 2020

Meanwhile, GroundUp reported that an illicit cigarette trader in Soweto was selling a box of Courtleigh cigarettes for around R140 while a loose one sold at R7.

(Compiled by Molefe Seeletsa)

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