Manguzi woman arrested for possession of illegal alcohol and cigarettes

A 40-year-old woman accused of being in possession of illegal liquor and cigarettes has been released on R3 000 bail.

She will again appear in the Kwangwanase Magistrate’s Court on 8 July.

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Silindile Silwane of oThobothini outside Jozini, was arrested by the army while buying liquor and cigarettes from Mozambicans at the border.

The Mozambicans escaped back across the border when they saw the army approaching.

Police spokesperson, Captain Nqobile Gwala, said the accused was handed over to Manguzi SAPS and charged for the illegal possession of liquor and cigarettes during the lockdown.

‘During the arrest, it was discovered that the suspect works for the Department of Health in uMkhanyakude District,’ Gwala said.

Inkosi Mabhudu Tembe of the Tembe Tribal Authority in Manguzi, said he heard about the arrest and was shocked.

‘The Department of Health is spearheading the fight against Covid-19. People have been advised to stay indoors during the lockdown, but this woman is busy with her black market business.’ said Inkosi Tenbe.

‘The law must take its course and send a strong message to those who still defy lockdown regulations and embark on criminal activities which put our people’s lives in danger.’

KwaMhlabuyalingana Mayor, Nkululeko Mthethwa, applauded the army.

‘We have been complaining about the scourge of criminal activities in our area, as we are close to the border, but have realised that most of the suspects are not from this area.

KZN Department of Health spokesperson, Ntokozo Maphisa, declined to comment, saying the suspect was not on duty when the offence was committed.

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