Limpopo police have seized illicit cigarettes worth about R50,000 and recovered a vehicle allegedly used to transport the contraband after its occupants abandoned it during a police pursuit in Mankweng.
The recovery was made on Monday, after members of the Flying Squad in the Capricorn District received information about a vehicle allegedly being used to deliver illicit cigarettes in the area.
Police said officers responded to the information and headed towards Boyne, where they spotted a white Haval H6 matching the description provided.
Driver flees police, abandons vehicle
According to police, Flying Squad members attempted to stop the Haval by activating their blue lights and siren, but the driver allegedly refused to stop and instead sped towards a gravel road.
“Members later located the vehicle abandoned with two punctured tyres and no occupants,” police said.
A search of the vehicle uncovered two sets of number plates. Police said preliminary investigations into the vehicle and its registration details were under way.
R50,000 illicit cigarette haul seized
Officers also discovered a quantity of illicit cigarettes concealed behind the vehicle’s seats.
“The cigarettes have an estimated street value of approximately R50 000,” police said.
The cigarettes and the vehicle were seized as part of the ongoing investigation.
Police hunt suspects
Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers praised the officers involved for their response to the information received.
Scheepers “applauded the members for their operational alertness, which led to the recovery of the illicit cigarettes as well as the vehicle used by the suspects,” police said.
Police said operational teams would continue efforts to trace the suspects linked to the vehicle.
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