Police seize illicit tobacco worth over R21 million

Share the Article:

Three undocumented Zimbabwean nationals were arrested and illicit tobacco products worth more than R21 million seized during operation Vala Umgodi in Musina on Wednesday.

According to Limpopo police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk, the team obtained information that a consignment of illicit tobacco products (“hubbly bubbly”) was making its way on a truck through Musina.

She said the truck was successfully intercepted by the members which led to the seizure of the illicit tobacco products and the arrest of the three suspects.

“On the same day, a roving team comprising of SAPS members from Public Order Policing (POP) and Tactical Response Team (TRT) as well as SAPS drone pilots operationalised information they obtained.

“This led to the arrest of five Zimbabwean nationals at an address in Musina for the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. The team seized three firearms and 74 rounds of ammunition of different calibres.

‘Further investigation revealed that one of these firearms is linked to a Potchefstroom house robbery case. At the same address, the team arrested three more Zimbabwean nationals for the possession of dagga,” she remarked.

Lt Col van Wyk stated that over 110 kilograms of dagga with an estimated street value of R137 000 was seized.

She highlighted that these successes follow within days after police destroyed a man-made bridge over the Limpopo River near the Beitbridge Border Post.

ALSO READ | Landlord arrested for killing tenant

“SAPS members from various specialised units are currently deployed in the seven hot spot provinces as part of Operation Vala Umgodi.

“This is a crime fighting strategy aimed at preventing and combating illicit mining activities within the country.

“Within the first six months of its’ activation, Operation Vala Umgodi recorded over 6000 arrests within the period of December 2023 to June 2024 countrywide,” she explained.