In a significant law enforcement operation, the Limpopo police have successfully seized illicit cigarettes worth over R1 million.
The operation took place on Friday and led to the arrest of three suspects. The provincial flying squad intercepted a convoy of five high-powered vehicles on the R519 Bergenek Road towards Zebediela, which resulted in a dramatic sequence of events.
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According to Provincial Police Spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba, the situation escalated when a black Jeep from Polokwane, fully loaded with illicit cigarettes, failed to stop for the authorities.
A high-speed chase ensued along the R519 Bergenek Road. The chase culminated in a tragic accident when the Jeep collided with a truck, overturned, and led to the death of the driver, a foreign national. The truck driver and passenger sustained injuries and were taken to a local hospital.
In addition to the Jeep, police managed to arrest two more suspects – a South African and a foreign national – in a Toyota Rav 4, and a third foreign national in a white Ford Ranger, both vehicles containing illicit cigarettes.
Two other vehicles, a white Mercedes-Benz and a charcoal Ford Ranger, were recovered in Bergenek Village in the Westenburg policing area, still loaded with illicit cigarettes. Although an unknown number of suspects fled the scene, all five vehicles, including the one involved in the accident, have been seized by the police.
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Police have opened cases of culpable homicide and possession and transportation of illicit cigarettes. The identity of the deceased suspect remains unknown at this time. The three apprehended suspects, aged between 38 and 47, are expected to appear in the Magatle Magistrate’s Court on Monday, August 26.
Limpopo Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, welcomed the arrests and commended the officers for their diligence and efficiency in the seizure of the illicit cigarettes.
