LIMPOPO – An intelligence-driven operation in Modjadjiskloof has led to the arrest of a 41-year-old Ethiopian national for allegedly dealing in illicit cigarettes. The multidisciplinary law enforcement effort successfully intercepted a vehicle transporting a large consignment of suspected contraband in the Modjadjiskloof policing area.
The targeted operation was executed by a joint team comprising members of the Mopani Tracking Team, Hoshani Security, and the K9 Anti-Hijacking Unit. This intervention was initiated following actionable intelligence received from the E2 Cross Border Group, which indicated the potential transportation of illicit cigarettes along the R36 route.
On Thursday, 17 September 2026, at approximately 22:30, authorities conducted a waylay operation in the Modjadjiskloof area. During this intervention, a Toyota Cross was intercepted in the Modjadjiskloof Central Business District (CBD).
The vehicle was being driven by the 41-year-old Ethiopian male suspect. A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered a significant consignment of suspected illicit Royal Express cigarettes.
Authorities conducted a thorough count, revealing that the vehicle was transporting 12 boxes containing a total of 601 cartons of the illicit cigarettes. The estimated value of the seized contraband is R235,000.
The suspect was immediately arrested and formally charged with dealing in illicit cigarettes. Both the illicit cigarettes and the Toyota Cross used in the commission of the offence were seized by law enforcement.
The accused is scheduled to appear before the Kgapane Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 21 September 2026.
