LIMPOPO – A 32-year-old suspect faces multiple charges, including possession of illicit cigarettes, attempted bribery, and contravention of immigration laws, following a targeted arrest by the Capricorn District Flying Squad in the Moletlane policing area.
The operation originated from an ongoing investigation in the Zebediela area, where police received actionable intelligence regarding a shop owner allegedly involved in the sale of drugs and illicit cigarettes. Acting on this information, law enforcement officers proceeded to the identified premises in Moletlane, where they obtained permission to search the property.
During the search, authorities discovered a plastic bag containing 19 cartons of Remington Gold cigarettes suspected to be illicit. According to police reports, the suspect then attempted to bribe the responding officers with R1,000. The officers immediately rejected the alleged bribe and continued with the investigation.
When requested to produce documentation confirming his legal status in the country, the suspect allegedly failed to do so, leading to his immediate arrest. He was subsequently detained at the Moletlane South African Police Service (SAPS) station and is facing formal charges of possession of suspected illicit cigarettes, bribery, and contravention of the Immigration Act. He is expected to appear before the relevant Magistrate’s Court in the near future.
In addition to this specific arrest, the Capricorn District Flying Squad executed a broader range of policing duties during the operation. These included:
– Searching 25 persons and 19 vehicles
– Testing 7 vehicles
– Patrolling 10 ATMs and 10 filling stations
– Patrolling 3 shopping malls, 3 taxi ranks, and 1 casino
– Conducting 2 security escorts
Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers, the Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, publicly commended the officers for their vigilance and refusal to be compromised.
“The conduct of these members demonstrates the integrity and professionalism expected from every police officer,” Lieutenant General Scheepers stated. “Attempts to corrupt our members will not be tolerated. We commend them for acting on information, remaining vigilant and ensuring that the suspect is brought before the law.”
Police investigations into the matter remain ongoing.
