The police in Musina have arrested a 28-year-old undocumented Zimbabwean man for the possession of illegal cigarettes over the weekend. Additionally, they have launched a manhunt for six other suspects who managed to evade capture, following a shootout with the police.
According to provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, members of the Vhembe Trio Task Team were conducting an operation on Sunday evening, 27 August. They stopped the 28-year-old suspect next to the Baobab Toll Plaza between Louis Trichardt and Musina. A search of his Nissan NP200 revealed that the vehicle was fully loaded with illegal cigarettes, estimated to have a street value of R348,000. The man was arrested and was expected to appear in the Musina Magistrate's Court on charges of possessing illegal cigarettes and violating the country's Immigration Act.
In a separate incident, a suspicious motor vehicle (a white Ford Territory) was spotted driving along the N1 highway south of the Baobab Toll Plaza. While the members of the Vhembe Trio Crime Task Team were following it, the suspicious vehicle suddenly turned onto the Hamatsa gravel road towards Mphephu. Another suspicious motor vehicle (a maroon Ford Territory) followed the police vehicle.
"It is alleged that shots were suddenly fired from the white Ford in the direction of the police. Subsequently, the police responded, and a shootout ensued, causing the driver of the white Ford to lose control of the car, resulting in its overturning. The suspects ultimately managed to flee on foot," said Ledwaba.
Regarding the maroon Ford Territory, Ledwaba stated that this vehicle eventually pulled off the road near the Waterpoort road because of mechanical failure. The suspects also fled the scene on foot. "Another motor vehicle, a white Nissan Almera with an unknown registration number, picked up the suspects and drove away with them," said Ledwaba.
Both Territories were found to be loaded with illegal cigarettes, with an estimated street value of R610,000.
Anyone with information that can assist the police in arresting the suspects should contact the investigating officer in the case, Lieutenant Colonel Bez Bezuidenhout, at 082 414 8474. Alternatively, individuals can report to their nearest police station, call the Crime Stop number (08600 10111), or share information on the MysapsApp.