By Kopano Dibakwane
A 37 year-old Ethiopian male suspect, identified as Lemango Abrihim Kalbiro, was arrested by Dantjie police after he was allegedly found in possession of illegal cigarettes in the early hours of Saturday 1 June
The arrest was reportedly part of Operation Vala Umgodi, which is an ongoing joint operation by members of the South African Police Service(SAPS), officials from the Department of Home Affairs and other law enforcement agencies in the Ehlanzeni District.
Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Colonel Donald Mdhluli, said the illegal cigarettes were discovered when a blue Nissan 1400 bakkie was stopped and searched.
“ Members discovered that the car was loaded with two boxes containing 1000 packets of 20 illicit cigarettes. The suspect had a difficulty in explaining how the cigarettes were acquired, hence he was apprehended and charged accordingly,” said Mdhluli.
He said that the suspect appeared before the Graskop Magistrate’s Court on Monday 3 June and his case was postponed to Tuesday 4 June for formal bail application.
According to Mdhluli, six Mozambican and three Zimbabwean nationals were nabbed for contravention of the Immigration Act of South Africa, after they were reportedly found in a place where illegal mining activities are often conducted. Mdhluli added that equipment which is believed to be used for illegal mining activities was confiscated during the arrest of the nine suspects.
