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Three arrested in Zimbabwe-SA cross-border smuggling sting
3 hrs ago |
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Three men, including a father-and-son duo, briefly appeared in court on Wednesday following their arrest in an intelligence-driven operation targeting the alleged facilitation of illegal movement into Zimbabwe.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed that Stellio Gilles Robert Capo Chichi (45), Khonsou Seba Capo Chichi (18), and alleged facilitator François van der Merwe were arrested on 13 April 2026 in Brooklyn, Pretoria.
The operation was carried out by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks, specifically its Crimes Against the State unit, with support from Tactical Operations Management Section and Crime Intelligence's Counter Terrorism unit.
Police said the arrests followed intelligence indicating that the suspects were involved in facilitating illegal crossings into Zimbabwe via the Limpopo River, a route often exploited for irregular migration.
"SAPS can confirm that the three accused were arrested during an intelligence-driven operation after information was received regarding the facilitation of illegal movement into Zimbabwe through the Limpopo River," police said in a statement.
The suspects were intercepted during a sting operation at a shopping centre in Pretoria, where authorities believe a payment of about R250,000 had been made to assist the pair in crossing the border, with plans to continue onward to Europe.
During the arrest, officers seized cellphones and approximately R318,000 in cash, which is now part of the ongoing investigation.
Preliminary findings have also revealed that Stellio Capo Chichi is allegedly a wanted fugitive in both France and Benin for offences relating to crimes against the state. With assistance from Interpol, South African authorities have confirmed that he is wanted in Benin.
"The Hawks, working with Interpol, have confirmed the accused's status as a wanted fugitive in Benin," SAPS said.
The case has been postponed to 20 April 2026, with all three accused remanded in custody as investigations continue. Authorities also indicated that extradition processes are underway.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed that Stellio Gilles Robert Capo Chichi (45), Khonsou Seba Capo Chichi (18), and alleged facilitator François van der Merwe were arrested on 13 April 2026 in Brooklyn, Pretoria.
The operation was carried out by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks, specifically its Crimes Against the State unit, with support from Tactical Operations Management Section and Crime Intelligence's Counter Terrorism unit.
Police said the arrests followed intelligence indicating that the suspects were involved in facilitating illegal crossings into Zimbabwe via the Limpopo River, a route often exploited for irregular migration.
"SAPS can confirm that the three accused were arrested during an intelligence-driven operation after information was received regarding the facilitation of illegal movement into Zimbabwe through the Limpopo River," police said in a statement.
The suspects were intercepted during a sting operation at a shopping centre in Pretoria, where authorities believe a payment of about R250,000 had been made to assist the pair in crossing the border, with plans to continue onward to Europe.
During the arrest, officers seized cellphones and approximately R318,000 in cash, which is now part of the ongoing investigation.
Preliminary findings have also revealed that Stellio Capo Chichi is allegedly a wanted fugitive in both France and Benin for offences relating to crimes against the state. With assistance from Interpol, South African authorities have confirmed that he is wanted in Benin.
"The Hawks, working with Interpol, have confirmed the accused's status as a wanted fugitive in Benin," SAPS said.
The case has been postponed to 20 April 2026, with all three accused remanded in custody as investigations continue. Authorities also indicated that extradition processes are underway.
Source - The Mercury
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