Two Foreign Nationals Arrested With Illicit Cigarettes Worth Over R1 Million In Potchefstroom

On Friday, 22 November 2024, two Zimbabwean nationals were apprehended by the Potchefstroom Crime Intelligence, Potchefstroom Flying Squad, and Ventersdorp Visible Policing for possession of illicit cigarettes worth over R1.6 million.

The suspects, aged 47 and 50, were arrested during a crime intelligence-led operation along the R30 road between Rustenburg and Gauteng Province.

Illicit Cigarettes Bust Details

The operation began after Ventersdorp Visible Policing received information about a suspicious Volvo truck travelling from Rustenburg to Gauteng. A follow-up investigation led to the truck being stopped and searched.

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During the search, police discovered 124 boxes containing 50 cartons of Remington Gold cigarettes, valued at R1.6 million. The suspects were unable to account for the possession of the illicit goods and were subsequently arrested.

The two suspects are expected to appear before the Ventersdorp Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 25 November 2024. The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) is currently investigating the case.

Statements from Authorities

Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated the units involved for their collaborative efforts in combating illicit economic activities. He emphasised the importance of such operations in maintaining law and order and protecting the economy from illegal trade.

The public is urged to report any criminal activities by calling the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or using the MySAPS application to report anonymously. Extortion-related incidents can be reported on the Extortion hotline at 080 091 10111.

In early November 2024, the police in Northam, Limpopo, arrested two foreign nationals in a coordinated operation. The suspects were found transporting over 170 boxes of Remington Gold cigarettes, with an estimated value of R1.1 million.

This operation was another significant blow to the illegal tobacco trade, which has become a major economic concern in the region. The suspects in this case, like the ones in Potchefstroom, were unable to account for their cargo, leading to their immediate arrest​.

Further north, in Mpumalanga, another major bust occurred when authorities intercepted a vehicle along the R40 road near Hoedspruit. The vehicle was loaded with 728 cartons of illicit Remington Gold cigarettes, worth approximately R300,000.

The driver was arrested, and authorities also confiscated a substantial amount of cash found on his person​. This bust is part of a wider pattern of smuggling activity, particularly from Zimbabwe, where a significant portion of illicit cigarettes entering South Africa are produced.

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In addition, a recent investigation by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) into illicit economic activities has led to increased cooperation between provincial police forces.

The DPCI continues to target the broader syndicates responsible for smuggling goods across South Africa’s porous borders, often through unregulated routes like the Beitbridge Border Post and illegal crossing points along the Limpopo River​.

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