A Zimbabwean national has been remanded in custody after allegedly attempting to smuggle manufactured tobacco worth about R3.8 million into South Africa through the Groblersbrug Port of Entry in Limpopo.
According to Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, Shumba Munetsi, 45, appeared in the Phalala Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday following his arrest by South African Police Service (SAPS) Border Policing members on Monday.
Ledwaba said police stopped and inspected a Volvo truck towing an LP gas trailer at about 6.42pm as it attempted to enter South Africa.
The driver allegedly told police that the trailer was carrying gas.
However, officers became suspicious after discovering a concealed hatch underneath the trailer, which appeared to provide access to the interior.
“Members became suspicious after discovering a large concealed hatch underneath the trailer,” Ledwaba said.
When questioned about the compartment, the driver allegedly admitted that the trailer was not carrying gas but was being used to conceal and transport tobacco products.
The concealed compartment was opened in the presence of police, revealing 521 plastic bags containing approximately 7,294kg of suspected manufactured tobacco.
The tobacco is estimated to be worth R3.8 million.
The Volvo truck and LP gas trailer were also seized, with their combined value estimated at R1.8 million.
Munetsi’s case was postponed to Monday, 31 August, for a formal bail application. He remains in custody.
Ledwaba said investigations were continuing to establish the origin and intended destination of the suspected illicit tobacco and determine whether other people were linked to the alleged smuggling operation.
Limpopo police commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Petrus Scheepers welcomed the vigilance of the Border Policing members in detecting the concealed tobacco.
Scheepers reiterated that SAPS would continue intensifying operations at ports of entry and other strategic points to disrupt the smuggling of illicit goods and protect the country’s economy from organised criminal activities.
