A 49-year-old Zimbabwean national has been arrested after police intercepted a truck carrying illicit tobacco worth an estimated R1.5 million in Limpopo, in what authorities described as a successful anti-smuggling operation.
The arrest was made on Thursday, June 4, 2026, when members of the Provincial Tracking Team stopped and searched a white Nissan truck along the R518 road in the Moletlane policing area.
Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said that the operation followed intelligence indicating that a truck transporting illicit tobacco from Zimbabwe was en route to Gauteng.
“The successful anti-smuggling operation was executed following intelligence received about a white Nissan truck transporting illicit tobacco from Zimbabwe and destined to Gauteng Province,” Ledwaba said.
The Provincial Tracking Team, supported by Tshimollo Security and Investigations, placed the vehicle under surveillance before intercepting it at about 5pm.
During the search, officers discovered 333 master boxes of Hookar tobacco with an estimated street value of R1.5 million.
Police said the driver, a 49-year-old Zimbabwean national, was immediately arrested at the scene.
“Further investigations established that the suspect was in the country illegally,” Ledwaba said.
Authorities seized both the illicit tobacco and the Nissan truck used in the operation. The truck is valued at approximately R800 000, bringing the combined value of the confiscated goods to R2.3 million.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Zebediela Periodical Court on Monday, June 8, 2026, on charges relating to the alleged contravention of the Customs and Excise Act 91 of 1964, as well as the Immigration Act.
Police said investigations into the smuggling operation are continuing.
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Wendy Dondolo
iol.co.za
