Law enforcement officials have arrested a 49-year-old foreign national following a major anti-smuggling operation in the Moletlane policing precinct on Thursday, June 4, 2026.
The sting was spearheaded by the Provincial Tracking Team, with tactical support from Tshimollo Security and Investigations. Authorities launched the operation after receiving actionable intelligence regarding a white Nissan truck suspected of moving illicit tobacco across the border from Zimbabwe, with its final destination being Gauteng Province.
Acting on the tip-off, the joint task team placed the vehicle under close surveillance. At approximately 17:00, officers intercepted the truck along the R518 public road in Moletlane.
Upon searching the vehicle, police uncovered a massive haul consisting of 333 master boxes of Hookar tobacco. The seized contraband carries an estimated street value of R1.5 million.