The police in Zeerust, at the Kopfontein port of entry, arrested a 48-year old suspect for being in the position of 152 master boxes of cigarettes worth over R4million.

Police spokesperson, Sabata Mokgwabone, says the suspect entered the country from Zambia via Botswana, in a truck with Gauteng registration. He says suspect is apparently due to appear for a similar offence in Lephalale Magistrate’s Court in Limpopo next month.

The arrest comes after police in Limpopo arrested two others on Monday at the Beitbridge border post between South Africa and Zimbabwe - for allegedly smuggling illicit cigarettes worth nearly R7 million.

The 48-year-old suspect is expected to appear in the Zeerust Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, while the two others are expected to appear in the Musina Magistrate Court.

“The Provincial Commissioner of North West, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena commended the members for their vigilance which resulted in the success,” Mokgwabone adds. He says that the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) is investigating.

The arrests of the three come as the country lockdown regulations due to the Novel Coronavirus forbids the sale of cigarettes and tobacco products in the country.

OFM News previously reported that the Police in the Northern Cape a few weeks ago also arrested two businessmen in Warrenton for violating the Disaster Management Act by selling cigarettes.

Meanwhile, the Fair Trade Independent Tobacco Association (Fita) and government continue to lock horns in a legal battle over the ban on tobacco.

OFM News