Makhado: A joint intelligence-driven operation has resulted in the arrest of a 24-year-old foreign national for dealing in illicit cigarettes. The arrest took place on Friday, 24 January 2025, at the Makhado precinct under Vhembe District.
According to South African Police Service, police received credible information about a white Isuzu truck traveling from Beitbridge Point of Entry. The truck was allegedly destined for Johannesburg, Gauteng province, with a load of illicit cigarettes. Acting swiftly on this intelligence, a collaborative search operation was launched, involving the Provincial Tracking Team, Makhado Detectives, and a private security and investigation company.
The operation successfully located the truck on the N1 North public road outside Makhado, where it was promptly stopped and searched. Police discovered 105 boxes of illicit cigarettes concealed inside empty crates within the truck. When questioned, the driver failed to provide an adequate explanation for the origin of the cigarettes, leading to his immediate arrest.
The operation resulted in the seizure of illicit cigarettes with an estimated street value of R650,000, as well as the Isuzu truck used in the crime, valued at R900,000. The suspect is scheduled to appear before the Makhado Magistrate Court on Monday, 27 January 2025, to face charges of dealing in illicit cigarettes. Police investigations into the matter are ongoing.