Two Zimbabwean nationals were arrested Friday at the Groblersbrug Port of Entry after officials discovered a shipment of cigarettes valued at nearly R2 million concealed in a truck. The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed the individuals, aged 23 and 35, were taken into custody following a search of their vehicle at the border crossing in Limpopo province.
According to a statement from law enforcement, members of the SAPS Border Policing unit and customs officials acted on information they had received regarding a truck suspected of transporting illicit goods. The vehicle, which was transporting a load of coal, was stopped and inspected upon its arrival at the port of entry, which connects South Africa and Botswana.
During the search, officers discovered boxes of undeclared cigarettes hidden beneath the coal. The estimated value of the confiscated goods is R2 million, according to police reports.
The two suspects were immediately arrested and are expected to face charges related to the possession and smuggling of illicit cigarettes under the Customs and Excise Act. Authorities have impounded the truck and the full cigarette consignment as part of the ongoing investigation.
The suspects are scheduled to appear in the Mokopane Magistrate’s Court. Police officials have not released the names of the individuals pending their court appearance. Further details about the origin of the shipment and its intended destination have not been made public.
