| 2024/05/08 |
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Media Statement
Their arrest came after the team operationalised the information, leading to the cornering of two Bangladeshi nationals as well as one Pakistani national. The trio was found in three different supermarkets situated in downtown, Witbank. When members entered the supermarkets for investigation, they reportedly found illicit cigarettes displayed on the shelves. The men and women in blue then conducted a thorough investigation inside the supermarkets and it was during this period when a total of about 17 229 packets of 20 various brands of illicit cigarette, estimated at about R367 868 which were seized from these supermarkets. The suspects, two Bangladeshi and one Pakistani national, were charged for dealing in illicit cigarettes. Further probe will be conducted on how the cigarettes landed in these premises and Police cannot rule out the possibility that these items could have been somehow smuggled into South Africa. Police Investigators will also be working in collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs to determine the status of these foreign nationals in the country. All three suspects are expected to appear at the Emalahleni Magistrate’s Court soon. Meanwhile the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, commended the whistle blowers for giving the tipoff to the police. The General also appreciated members assigned for Operation Vala Umgodi as they acted well by going an extra mile which led to the success. Ends
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