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SA-bound R4m illicit cigarettes intercepted near Beitbridge
2 hrs ago |
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The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has confiscated illicit cigarettes and vehicles valued at more than R4 million during intelligence-driven operations near Beitbridge, Limpopo.
Captain Moses Semono confirmed that soldiers, acting on intelligence, raided a farm along the R572 road and recovered two Ford Rangers and a Toyota Hilux D4D valued at R1,100,000. The vehicles were loaded with illicit cigarettes worth R2,551,000. One suspect was arrested on the spot, while another managed to flee.
In a related operation near the southern side of the Beitbridge border post, a Toyota Fortuner valued at R250,000 carrying illicit cigarettes worth R450,151.20 was also confiscated. South African Police Service (SAPS) officers were called to both scenes and have taken over the cases for further investigation.
Colonel Dikgabane Herold Tladi, Officer Commanding Joint Tactical Headquarters Limpopo, commended Lieutenant Colonel Lungile Frans, officer commanding 1 South African Tank Regiment, for the proactive operations.
Last week, SANDF reported continued vigilance along the Limpopo border. On February 8, 2026, members of 1 South African Tank Regiment spotted a Toyota Land Cruiser valued at R1,513,300 attempting to cross the flooded Limpopo River. The occupants fled upon noticing soldiers. The vehicle, confirmed stolen in Boksburg, Gauteng, on February 6, 2026, was retrieved on February 17, 2026, after coordination with SAPS.
In another incident, a Toyota Fortuner valued at R539,900 was seized at Gumbu along the South Africa–Zimbabwe border and handed over to SAPS.
The Beitbridge corridor remains a major route for smuggling illicit cigarettes, which deprives the fiscus of billions in excise duties and undermines legitimate traders. The SANDF's operations aim to dismantle these networks, disrupting illegal activities "one vehicle, one load at a time."
Captain Moses Semono confirmed that soldiers, acting on intelligence, raided a farm along the R572 road and recovered two Ford Rangers and a Toyota Hilux D4D valued at R1,100,000. The vehicles were loaded with illicit cigarettes worth R2,551,000. One suspect was arrested on the spot, while another managed to flee.
In a related operation near the southern side of the Beitbridge border post, a Toyota Fortuner valued at R250,000 carrying illicit cigarettes worth R450,151.20 was also confiscated. South African Police Service (SAPS) officers were called to both scenes and have taken over the cases for further investigation.
Colonel Dikgabane Herold Tladi, Officer Commanding Joint Tactical Headquarters Limpopo, commended Lieutenant Colonel Lungile Frans, officer commanding 1 South African Tank Regiment, for the proactive operations.
Last week, SANDF reported continued vigilance along the Limpopo border. On February 8, 2026, members of 1 South African Tank Regiment spotted a Toyota Land Cruiser valued at R1,513,300 attempting to cross the flooded Limpopo River. The occupants fled upon noticing soldiers. The vehicle, confirmed stolen in Boksburg, Gauteng, on February 6, 2026, was retrieved on February 17, 2026, after coordination with SAPS.
In another incident, a Toyota Fortuner valued at R539,900 was seized at Gumbu along the South Africa–Zimbabwe border and handed over to SAPS.
The Beitbridge corridor remains a major route for smuggling illicit cigarettes, which deprives the fiscus of billions in excise duties and undermines legitimate traders. The SANDF's operations aim to dismantle these networks, disrupting illegal activities "one vehicle, one load at a time."
Source - IOL
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