By Crime and Courts Reporter
Members of the South African Police Services (SAPS) Limpopo Provincial Anti-Smuggling Task team where involved in a high speed chase with a suspect smuggling illegal illicit cigarettes into the country. The pursuit which occurred within the Zebediela policing area in the Capricorn district culminated in a 20 year old foreign national being apprehended by the police leading to the recovery of cigarettes with an estimated street value of R160 000-00.
The young man is being charged with smuggling illicit goods, reckless and negligent driving, driving a motor vehicle without a valid driver’s license, and contravening the immigration Act and will soon appear before Mokopane Magistrate’s Court.
Details provided to the media by the office of SAPS Limpopo Provincial Commissioner indicate the police followed the individual in question after getting a tip off that there was a vehicle loaded with illicit cigarettes.
“The members of the Provincial Anti-Smuggling Task team followed information about a Ford Ranger bakkie traveling from Musina loaded with illicit cigarettes. The vehicle was spotted near Bergenek, traveling at a high speed towards Zebediela,” indicated the statement.
“The officers signalled for the driver to pull over, but the suspect accelerated, leading to a dangerous pursuit. The chase ensued over several kilometres, with police officers maintaining a coordinated effort to apprehend the suspect.”
Luck ran out for the 20 year old suspect when he lost control of his contraband carrying vehicle before jumping out and trying to flee.
“The pursuit concluded when the suspect’s vehicle lost control between Zebediela and Mokopane junction and stopped. The driver then jumped out and tried to evade the arrest but was swiftly apprehended.Upon inspection, officers discovered 26 boxes of illicit cigarettes concealed within the vehicle. The suspect did not possess a valid driver’s license and documents to be in the country. The illicit cigarettes have an estimated street value of R160 000-00. The vehicle was also seized as part of an investigation,” added the police statement.
The Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe commended this team of members for the swift response and commitment to combating the illegal trade of contraband goods in the province.