Polokwane – Police in Limpopo recovered illicit cigarettes with an estimated street value of about R60 000 from a vehicle abandoned near a local garage, after a high-speed chase.
The illicit cigarette bust was described as a “significant breakthrough in the fight against illicit trade”.
Last year, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana revealed that illicit cigarettes make up a significant portion of the market, costing the government about R30 billion annually in lost tax revenue.
Narrating events leading to this week’s cigarette smuggling bust, Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said on Thursday, 2 April 2026, “At approximately 13:30 members were conducting routine patrol duties, monitoring the N1 North, when a white Mahindra bakkie was observed traveling at high speed in a southern direction”.
Colonel Ledwaba said the police officers, who had been conducting an anti-crime operation in the Sebayeng policing area, outside Mankweng, became suspicious and pursued the vehicle while instructing the driver to stop.
“The driver failed to comply with police instructions and continued driving at high speed, subsequently colliding with the police vehicle on the left rear side,” the police spokesperson said.
“The suspect’s vehicle then diverted onto a gravel road towards Solomondale.
“Members pursued the vehicle but temporarily lost sight of it along the gravel road.
“The search continued, leading to the discovery of the vehicle abandoned near a local garage.”
Colonel Ledwaba said upon inspection, the vehicle was found loaded with illicit cigarettes with an estimated street value of R60 000.
“The vehicle, together with the illicit goods, was confiscated as part of ongoing investigations,” said the spokesperson.
“No arrests have been made at this stage, and police investigations are underway to locate and apprehend the suspects.”
The Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has commended the police officers, who are members of the Flying Squad, for their vigilance and swift response.
