News / Africa
Zimbabwean man appears in SA court for cigarette smuggling
29 Aug 2011 at 15:31hrs | Views
A Zimbabwean man, Shoriwa Admire, 34 and a South African man, Elliot Aifheli Mathavha, 32 of Tshikuwi village in Dzanani, appeared before the Dzanani Magistrate's Court on Friday in connection with cigarette smuggling from Zimbabwe. The two suspects, transporting smuggled cigarettes along Tshituni Tsha Fhasi public road, were stopped by police. Cigarettes valued at more than R300000 were confiscated.
Meanwhile, four suspects will appear before the Lebowakgomo Magistrate's court in connection with the possession of smuggled cigarettes valued at about R600000.
The four suspects, aged between 34 and 44 years, were arrested along the R37 road between Boyne and Ga Chuene. The police spotted a suspicious Toyota Condor while conducting patrols on Friday at about 1pm, and 3650 cartons of cigarettes in the car were confiscated. The vehicle, owned by a man from Gauteng, was also confiscated for further police investigation.
The cigarettes are alleged to have been smuggled from Zimbabwe and were destined for Gauteng. Police spokesperson Lt-Col Mohale Ramatseba said: "The cigarettes smugglers should be aware that the police are all over all the roads in Limpopo to curb transportation of stolen goods and smuggled cigarettes."
Police investigations were continuing, he said.
Meanwhile, four suspects will appear before the Lebowakgomo Magistrate's court in connection with the possession of smuggled cigarettes valued at about R600000.
The cigarettes are alleged to have been smuggled from Zimbabwe and were destined for Gauteng. Police spokesperson Lt-Col Mohale Ramatseba said: "The cigarettes smugglers should be aware that the police are all over all the roads in Limpopo to curb transportation of stolen goods and smuggled cigarettes."
Police investigations were continuing, he said.
Source - Sapa-dpa
