| 2025/04/04 |
|
Media Statement
POLOKWANE – The Police in Limpopo have made a significant breakthrough in the fight against smuggling of goods following a successful intelligence-driven operation in Musina policing area on Thursday, 03 April 2025. The operation resulted in massive recovery of smuggled goods, including illicit cigarettes, worth an estimated R3.6 million from a warehouse. The Anti-Smuggling team, in collaboration with Tshimollo Security and Investigation, acted on intelligence reports regarding a warehouse suspected of storing illegal goods in Musina town. Upon arrival at the identified premises, the team found the warehouse unoccupied. In accordance with Sections 20 and 22 of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977, law enforcement officers lawfully gained entry to conduct a search. During the operation, the following items were recovered: Over 300 boxes of Adidas sneakers and soccer boots, confirmed to be part of a consignment stolen from Durban Harbor on 13 March 2025. These items were originally imported from Indonesia before being unlawfully diverted. Additionally, 100 boxes of illicit cigarettes with an estimated street value of R600 000-00 were seized Preliminary investigations have linked the warehouse to a well-known businessman in Musina and police are actively pursuing leads to locate and apprehend the suspect. Limpopo Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, reaffirmed SAPS’s unwavering commitment to dismantling organized crime and smuggling syndicates. “This operation highlights the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing and the power of inter-agency collaboration. Smuggling and organized crime pose serious threats to our economy and public safety. SAPS will continue to intensify efforts to disrupt criminal networks and ensure that those responsible are held accountable, ” said Lieutenant General Hadebe. Anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the suspects should contact Colonel Richard Boshomane at 079 894 5601 or Warrant Officer Phaladi Makola at 082 749 2233, Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or their nearest police station. Alternatively utilise MySAPS App for anonymous tip-offs Ends
Enquiries:
X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/SAPoliceService |
|
|
| Additional content: |
|
|
