Caption: A SAPS member evaluating the alleged contraband items
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By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe and Kopano Dibakwane
Two males aged 30 and 35 as well as a 60 year-old woman were arrested in Hazyview, on Thursday 22 August, after they were allegedly found in possession of illicit contraband goods worth more than R2.5 million during Operation Shanela conducted by different units from the South African Police Service(SAPS).
The SAPS team which included the Tactical Response Team(TRT), K9 Unit, Public Order Policing(POP), Flying Squad, Mounted Unit, Visible Policing, Police Bikers and Detective Services, was reportedly checking if liquor outlets in Calcutta(Hazyview)were compliant to operational regulations when information was received about a truck that was suspected of transporting illicit goods.
According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Colonel Donald Mdhluli, a substantial amount of contraband items, including cigarettes, were discovered inside a large storage.
” When searching inside the premises, the team also discovered about 10 live ammunition. The suspects are faced with charges of unlawful possession of ammunition, as well as possession of illicit goods,” said Mdhluli.
The Acting Provincial Police Commissioner, Major-General(Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, applauded members of the public for blowing the whistle on the suspects. He also commended the authorities for their swift response to the tip-off.
” We remain dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of our communities by actively pursuing illegal activities and holding those response accountable. This discovery underscores the commitment to combating illegal trade and maintaining law and order in the province,” said Mkhwanazi.
Colonel Mdhluli said the three suspects are in custody and will appear in court soon as a team of investigators gather further evidence in relation to the incident.
