A total of four suspects, aged between 25 and 45, were arrested along the Politsi R36 road, in the Modjadjiskloof policing area, for possession of illicit cigarettes and bribery, on Wednesday, 17 January 2024 at about 10:30. The arrested suspects appeared before Modjadjiskloof Magistrate’s Court, on Thursday, 18 January 2024.
They are Kudzai Mungate (40), Eshley Matsorera (45), Oscar Mbazo (25), and Tatenda Samasuku (30), and they were all remanded in custody until 23 January 2024, for bail application.
Their arrest came after Police were tipped-off about a white Ford Ranger traveling from Kgapane to Tzaneen. Information was swiftly operationalised along the R36 Politsi road. The vehicle fitting the description was spotted and tactically approached. Upon searching it, Police found 2087 cartons of illicit cigarettes worth R31 3050.00. The suspects were arrested on the spot. While at the scene, a Toyota Hilux, with the driver and passenger, stopped. They then offered the Police R5000.00 bribe to release the two suspects found in possession of illicit cigarettes. They were also arrested for bribery.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the Police in Limpopo, Major General Jan Scheepers, has applauded the Police for arresting the suspects and confiscating the illicit cigarettes.
The Police investigations are still ongoing.
