POLOKWANE – A total of six suspects, who were arrested by members of the South African Police Service in Marble Hall after being found loading illicit cigarettes from a Gas Tanker into the two Cargo Trucks at Toitskraal outside Marble Hall on Friday night, 27 January 2023, were remanded in custody when they appeared before Marble Hall Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 30 January 2023.

The six suspects were intercepted after Police received information about the suspects who were busy offloading the illicit cigarettes from a Gas Tanker into the cargo trucks. According to the information, the suspects parked the Tanker and two cargo trucks at one of the farms in Toitskraal.

The Police responded swiftly and managed to apprehend the suspects. It is further alleged that the Gas Tanker was from Musina and was being escorted by a white Toyota Auris while the two Cargo Trucks were reportedly from Gauteng. The said illicit cigarettes, worth over twelve million Rand, along with the vehicles used to transport the consignment, were confiscated.

The suspects were remanded in custody for bail application until the next court appearance in the same court on 06 February 2023.

The arrested suspects are facing charges of possession of suspected stolen goods and smuggling of illicit cigarettes into the Republic of South Africa from the neighbouring countries.

The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has commended the members for intercepting this huge consignment and arresting the suspects. She also thanked community members for providing the valuable information.

Source: South African Police Service