HOEDSPRUIT POLICE SEIZED ILLICIT CIGARETTES WORTH MORE THAN FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND RANDS

HOEDSPRUIT – Hoedspruit police in collaboration with a local Farm Watch initiative intercepted a Volkswagen Tiguan SUV motor vehicle while transporting illicit cigarettes in the early hours of Thursday, 04 June 2026.

Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba says the police received information about the suspected motor vehicle traveling from Gauteng Province and allegedly transporting illicit cigarettes into the Hoedspruit policing precinct, and an operation was activated.

Police and Farm Watch members spotted and intercepted a silver-gold Volkswagen Tiguan SUV with Gauteng registration numbers.

The unknown male driver immediately abandoned the motor vehicle at the scene and fled the scene on foot evading an arrest.

A search of the motor vehicle led to the discovery of 23 boxes of illicit cigarettes with an estimated street value of R575,000.

Both the Volkswagen Tiguan SUV motor vehicle used in the commission of the crime and the illicit cigarettes were seized.

Police appeal to anyone with information that can assist in tracing the unknown suspect to contact the Investigating Officer, Sergeant Jabulani Mashaba on 076 852 0004 or crime stop number 08600 10111 or nearest police station or MySAPSApp.

Police investigations are continuing.

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