Zimbabwean national caught transporting illegal cigarettes worth over R 12million

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A 44 years old Zimbabwean national is set to make an appearance at Lehurutshe Magistrates Court today after being found in possession of illicit cigarettes worth an estimated value of a little over R 12million.

Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Funani said that the man was arrested driving a truck after being spotted by an officer who was patrolling the border during loadshedding. Trucks of that nature are not allowed to cross border during loadshedding because computers are offline.

He was driving towards Zeerust.

“Reports suggests that, the member informed his Commander and the truck was chased and stopped before it reached Zeerust. The driver was ordered to drive back to Skilpadhek port of entry. SARS and Customs members were requested to inspect the truck and boxes of Cigarettes, which the driver failed to declare at customs, were discovered inside the truck to the value of R12 868 509.00”.

As a result, he immediately arrested.

“The police official, who allowed the truck to leave the border, is being investigated and charges of defeating the ends of justice could be added, when the investigations are concluded” said Lt Colonel Funani.