A routine intelligence operation on the N3 took a dramatic turn when police discovered more than R1.1 million in cash concealed inside a Ford Ranger Raptor, leading to the arrest of a 42-year-old man and the seizure of the vehicle.

The arrest was carried out by the South African Police Service’s Gauteng Counter Intelligence Operations (GCI-OPS), which was initially following information that the suspect was allegedly transporting drugs.

According to SAPS national spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, police stopped and searched the Ford Ranger Raptor on the N3 near the Tugela Plaza.

Inside the vehicle, officers allegedly discovered more than R1.1 million in cash hidden in shoe boxes.

The 42-year-old suspect was reportedly unable to provide police with a satisfactory explanation for the source of the money.

Police seized the cash, the Ford Ranger Raptor, a privately licensed firearm, a cellphone and a laptop as part of the investigation.

Suspect Allegedly Attempts to Bribe Investigating Officer

The operation took another turn when the suspect allegedly attempted to bribe the investigating officer while being questioned.

Rather than accepting the alleged bribe, GCI-OPS activated an entrapment operation, according to Mathe.

The operation resulted in the arrest of two additional suspects who allegedly attempted to bribe police officers with R200,000.

“The R200 000 was also seized and the suspects’ VW Amarok was also confiscated,” Mathe said.

The arrests have now expanded the case beyond the alleged possession of a large amount of unexplained cash, with all three suspects facing charges that include money laundering and corruption.

Three Suspects Face Money Laundering and Corruption Charges

The police operation has raised further questions about the origin of the R1.1 million and the circumstances surrounding the alleged attempted bribery.

SAPS said the money, vehicles and other items seized during the operation will form part of the ongoing investigation.

The 42-year-old suspect is expected to appear before the Ladysmith Magistrate’s Court.

Meanwhile, the two suspects arrested during the entrapment operation have already appeared before the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court.

Their appearance took place on Friday.

Investigation Continues

Police have not indicated that the suspects have been convicted of any offence. The allegations against them will have to be tested through the criminal justice process.

The investigation remains under way as authorities work to establish the source of the cash and gather further evidence relating to the alleged bribery attempt.

For investigators, the discovery of more than R1.1 million in a vehicle on the N3 could prove to be only the beginning of a much wider investigation.

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