South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members have seized illicit goods worth almost R700,000 during anti-smuggling operations at the Beitbridge Port of Entry, delivering another blow to cross-border smuggling along the South Africa-Zimbabwe border.
The seizure followed a week of intensified border operations, during which military commanders reviewed and refined their operational strategy to disrupt smuggling routes.
In the early hours of Sunday, 26 July, soldiers conducting a foot patrol on the eastern side of the Beitbridge Port of Entry encountered suspects transporting suspected contraband. According to the SANDF, the suspects abandoned their bags and fled after noticing the soldiers. A search of the bags uncovered illicit cigarettes valued at just over R534,000.
At about the same time, another SANDF team operating on the western side of the port intercepted additional contraband. Soldiers confiscated illicit cigarettes worth about R146,000 and alcoholic beverages valued at about R15,000.
All the confiscated items were handed over to the police for further investigation.
Acting Officer Commanding of Joint Tactical Headquarters Limpopo Lieutenant Colonel Joy Stasie credited the successful operation to careful planning, strong leadership and the disciplined execution of duties by soldiers deployed along the border.
The latest seizure forms part of ongoing efforts by the SANDF, working alongside other law enforcement agencies, to curb smuggling and illicit trade at one of South Africa's busiest border crossings.