Potchefstroom The North West Provincial Anti-Corruption Investigating Unit (ACIU) has arrested a truck driver for allegedly smuggling illicit cigarettes worth more than R12 million into South Africa.
Allegations are that the suspect was travelling from Botswana when he attempted to smuggle the cigarettes into South Africa during load-shedding through the Skilpad’s Hek Port of Entry at about 6:40 on Friday, (21 July 2023).
South African Police Service (SAPS) Spokesperson in the North West province Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Funani explained that trucks entering or leaving South Africa are not allowed to do so during load-shedding at any Port of entry because computers would be offline.
Colonel Funani said an alert police officer, who was patrolling along the border, noticed that a truck left the border, heading towards Zeerust during the time when the Port was under load-shedding.
The police officer raised the alarm and the truck was pursued by other law enforcers who caught up with it before it reached Zeerust.
Under SAPS guard, the driver was ordered to drive back to the Skilpad’s Hek Port of entry, where SA Revenue Service and customs officials inspected the truck.
The officials discovered boxes of cigarettes, which the driver failed to declare at customs.
The contraband was estimated to have a value of R12 868 509.
Police arrested the 44-year-old driver, who is said to be a Zimbabwe national.
The suspect is expected to appear in Lehurutshe Magistrate’s Court on Monday, (24 July 2023).
Colonel Funani said the police officer who allowed the truck to leave the border is being investigated.
