BEITBRIDGE Apr. 4 (NewsDay Live) - South African Police Service (Saps) officials operating in the Limpopo Province have recovered smuggled goods, including 100 boxes of Zimbabwean-made cigarettes worth about R3.6 million.
Besides the cigarettes, police also recovered 300 boxes of Adidas sneakers and soccer boots, confirmed to be part of a consignment stolen from Durban Harbour on March 13 this year.
"The Police in Limpopo have made a significant breakthrough in the fight against smuggling of goods following a successful intelligence-driven operation in Musina policing area on Thursday, 03 April 2025,” Saps said.
“The operation resulted in massive recovery of smuggled goods, including illicit cigarettes, worth an estimated R3.6 million from a warehouse," Saps said in a statement.
"The anti-smuggling team, in collaboration with Tshimollo Security and Investigation, acted on intelligence reports regarding a warehouse suspected of storing illegal goods in Musina town. Upon arrival at the identified premises, the team found the warehouse unoccupied. In accordance with Sections 20 and 22 of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977, law enforcement officers lawfully gained entry to conduct a search.”
Some of the recovered items were originally imported from Indonesia, Saps said, adding that preliminary investigations have linked the warehouse to a well-known businessman in Musina.
"This operation highlights the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing and the power of inter-agency collaboration. Smuggling and organized crime pose serious threats to our economy and public safety.
“Saps will continue to intensify efforts to disrupt criminal networks and ensure that those responsible are held accountable, " said Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe in charge of Limpopo.
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