Polokwane – Five members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), including a female soldier, together with two undocumented Zimbabwean nationals, are expected to appear before the Musina Magistrate’s Court today, Thursday, 18 September 2025.
They face charges of corruption, possession of illicit cigarettes, unlawful discharge of a firearm, defeating the ends of justice, contravention of the Immigration Act, unlawful possession of ammunition, and impersonating military officials.
The suspects, aged between 26 and 42, were arrested on Tuesday, 16 September 2025, during a joint operation by the South African Police Service (SAPS) Limpopo Beitbridge Task Team and Military Intelligence.
Their arrests followed an incident at Artonvilla, along the first Malaladrift road near the Limpopo River, where they allegedly conspired to intercept and steal a consignment of illicit cigarettes being smuggled into South Africa.
During the operation, shots were reportedly fired, forcing smugglers to abandon 24 boxes of illicit cigarettes.
Six boxes were later recovered inside a temporary military camp, resulting in the arrest of the SANDF members.
Further investigations led to follow-up operations at several houses in Matswale, Musina.
Limpopo SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said at Phase 12, police recovered eighteen rounds of live ammunition, six 303 rifle rounds, and two pairs of SANDF uniforms.
“At another residence in Matswale Extension 09, police arrested two more suspects after recovering three 9mm live rounds and two pairs of SANDF uniforms,” said Brigadier Mashaba.
“In Matswale Phase 09, a further suspect was arrested after being found in possession of one live 9mm round.”
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, commended the swift and coordinated response of the joint law enforcement teams, stressing that corruption and criminality involving members entrusted with safeguarding the nation’s security will be dealt with decisively.
Meanwhile, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has expressed dismay at the arrest of five of its members.
The SANDF said it views these allegations in a serious light.
“Such conduct undermines the integrity of the Defence Force and the trust placed in its members by the Republic of South Africa,” SANDF said in a statement issued ahead of the court appearance.
“The SANDF will cooperate fully with SAPS, SARS [South African Revenue Service], and other law enforcement agencies to ensure that justice is served.”
