By Rex Mphisa
SOME 2 981 people were arrested in Limpopo Province, South Africa, since the beginning of August, for dealing in Zimbabwean manufactures cigarettes that have hit that country by storm, Ziyah Media can reveal.
In the same period, 265 people, mostly Zimbabweans were arrested for contravention of SA immigration regulations according to statistics from that country’s operation codenamed Shanela (Kukula).
A media release from South African Police Service (SAPS) office of the Provincial Commissioner Limpopo Thembi Hadebe said these statistics were from the five police districts of the province.
The operation was from August 11 this year.
“The South African Police Service SAPS in Limpopo Province continues to hit hard on criminals during the High Density Operation Shanela 2 (kukula) conducted in all five districts. The operation started on Monday, 11 August 2025, and lasted until Sunday, 17 August 2025,” said a statement signed by Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba of the Police Press office.
He said achieved that week alone were;
▶️ 05 suspects were arrested for murder
▶️ 05 Suspects were arrested for attempted murder
▶️ 89 suspects arrested for Assault GBH
▶️ 05 suspects were arrested for illegal possession of unlicensed firearms
▶️ 17 suspects were arrested for possession of dangerous weapons
▶️ 52 suspects were arrested for illegal dealing in liquor
▶️ 52 suspects were arrested for possession of precious metal
▶️ 12 suspects were arrested for rape
▶️ 35 suspects were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
▶️ 265 suspects were arrested for contravention of immigration act
During the operation police confiscated five (5) unlicensed firearms (rifles) and handgun 2981 tobacco products, one (1) furniture item and two (2) motor vehicles.
“The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe applauds all the law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders for their concerted efforts in combatting criminal activities,” said the statement.
“Some suspects were released after payment of admission of guilty fines, and others have started appearing before various Magistrate’s courts from, Monday 18 August 2025.”
Zimbabwean cigarettes, because of their superior quality have remained in demand in South Africa and thousands of people in the two countries earn a living through an illicit trade of the same.
The trade peaked during the Covid 19 period when there was a complete ban of cigarettes in SA and back-door traders thrived through the ban.
Also sold were alcoholic products smuggled across the river which provides a porous demarcation of the two neighbours.
Authorities of both countries are worried about the increase in drug trade between the two neighbours with marijuana, a plant, taking lead in the illicit exchanges.
Some activists are calling for the international delisting of marijuana as a drug.