SANDF soldiers and undocumented Zimbabweans to in court for cigarette smuggling in Limpopo. Image credit: SAPS.
(The Post News) – The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has confirmed the arrest of five of its members, including a female soldier, together with two undocumented Zimbabwean nationals, following an intelligence-led operation in Musina.
They are expected to appear before the Musina Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, facing charges of corruption, possession of illicit cigarettes, unlawful discharge of a firearm, and defeating the ends of justice. Limpopo police spokesperson, Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba, said the suspects, aged between 26 and 42, were nabbed on Tuesday during a joint operation by the SAPS Limpopo Beitbridge Task Team and military intelligence.
In a statement SANDF spokesperson, Rear Admiral Prince Tshabalala said their members conducted an unauthorised operation and intercepted a group of smugglers transporting illicit cigarettes into South Africa and confiscated boxes of contraband. “during the incident, shots were reportedly fired, illicit goods were seized, and some contraband was unlawfully concealed at the base.”
Following credible intelligence, the SANDF military police, military intelligence, and the SAPS launched a joint operation later that morning where they discovered six hidden boxes of illicit cigarettes inside the military base, in addition to the 18 boxes that had already been handed over to SARS.
Tshabalala said that the suspects initially attempted to obstruct the investigation and to deny access to the premises. However, after engagement with senior defence officers, the search was successfully conducted.
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