By Kopano Dibakwane
The police in Middleburg have arrested a 40-year-old Indian National after he was allegedly found in possession of illicit cigarettes worth a staggering R3.4 million
The arrest was reportedly effected by Middleburg Crime Prevention, after receiving a tip-off about the illicit cigarettes inside a shop belonging to the suspect.
Mpumalanga spokesperson for the Hawks, Lt-Col Magonseni Nkosi, said the alleged illicit cigarettes were seized and booked-in as evidence.
“ The Hawks Middleburg-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation and South African Revenue Service(SARS) Customs were brought on board for further investigations. The Department of Home Affairs will also be brought on board to investigate the status of the suspect in South Africa,” said Lt-Col Nkosi.
The Acting Provincial Police Commissioner in Mpumalanga, Major-General(Dr)Zeph Mkhwanazi, has urged community members to avoid using illicit cigarettes, as they pose a health hazard.
“ These cigarettes contain harmful substances, including high levels of tar, nicotine, and other toxic chemicals. If such cigarettes are smuggled into the country, they negatively impact the economy as smugglers evade taxes and regulations,” General Mkhwanazi said.
The suspect will reportedly appear before the Middleburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday 18 February 2025, to face the said charges.
