Police seize R455,000 worth of contraband cigarettes

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A 33-year-old man was arrested on Friday, in a police operation, for possessing illicit cigarettes valued around R455,000.

The operation involved the Fezile Dabi Trio Task Team, the Sedibeng Tracking Team, Gauteng Provincial Crime Intelligence, and Gauteng Traffic.

Gauteng Provincial Crime Intelligence alerted members about a truck suspected of carrying illicit cigarettes on the R57 road between Gauteng and the Free State.

#sapsGP #StopIllicitTrade ~ A multidisciplinary law enforcement op has led to the successful arrest of a suspect found in possession of illicit cigarettes valued at approximately R455 000.00 on 06/03 at a plot in Vanderbijlpark. A 33yr-old male suspect was arrested on the scene… pic.twitter.com/2UNxTl0PPd

— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) March 9, 2026

“The information was immediately operationalised by law enforcement teams. The suspected truck, bearing Gauteng registration plates, was later spotted at a plot in Vanderbijlpark.

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“Upon inspection of the vehicle, members discovered a large quantity of illicit cigarettes with an estimated street value of approximately R455 000 on the scene for possession of illicit cigarettes,” police said.

The suspect is expected to appear before the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court on Monday. Investigations are continuing.

Police appeal for public help

Meanwhile, the Zamdela police are seeking the public’s assistance in tracing the suspects involved in a murder case that occurred in the Mooidraai Informal Settlement, Sasolburg.

According to police spokesperson Sergeant Josephine Rani, on Saturday, 28 February, at approximately 20:21, police members received a complaint of a shooting at Mooidraai Informal Settlement.

“An African male, identified as Tebello Motsoani, 62, was found lifeless on the ground at the scene with four gunshot wounds to his upper body.

“The deceased’s wife stated that earlier that evening, around 19:45, while she, her husband, and family were having a braai, two unfamiliar men approached their fence asking for help, claiming vehicle trouble.

“The deceased refused to help the men, who then left. Later, the two suspects came back asking for a tow rope. When the deceased approached them, the suspects shot him and fled on foot,” she explained.

Sgt Rani urged anyone with information about the murder to contact Zamdela police or Crime Stop.