POLICE ARRESTS SUSPECT AND RECOVERS ILLICIT CIGARETTES WORTH OVER R500 000 WHILE ON R81 ROAD OUTSIDE GIYANI

GIYANI – A 45-year-old male suspect is expected to appear before the Giyani Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 26 February 2026, following his arrest after police recovered illicit cigarettes worth approximately R570, 000 from vehicles involved in a collision on the R81 Road outside Giyani on Tuesday, 24 February 2026.

The police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba says the members of Giyani Visible Policing responded to a complaint of a motor vehicle accident and were informed that vehicles travelling together were involved in a collision. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel who arrived at the scene observed suspected illicit cigarettes inside one of the vehicles and immediately alerted the police.

Upon arrival, the VISPOL members together with the Provincial Organised Unit found three motor vehicles at the scene, including a navy blue Volkswagen SUV and two white Toyota Corolla vehicles believed to be linked and involved in the collision. Three African male suspects were present.

As police approached the vehicles to conduct investigations, one suspect fled the scene on foot and remains at large, while two suspects remained behind.

A search of the vehicles resulted in the recovery of a large quantity of illicit cigarettes inside the navy blue Volkswagen SUV and one of the Toyota Corolla vehicles. The second Toyota Corolla was found empty, and its driver alleged that he had come to assist his relative who was involved in the collision.

Police subsequently arrested one male suspect, aged 45, on charges of possession of illicit cigarettes.

All three vehicles were seized for further investigation.

The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, commended the EMS personnel for their alertness and swift response, which led to the successful arrest and recovery of illicit cigarettes destined for illegal distribution.

Police investigations are continuing, including efforts to locate the suspect who fled the scene.

The police are appealing to anyone with information that can assist in the apprehension of the outstanding suspect is urged to contact the investigating officer, Sergeant Ian Mabasa, on 074 645 0000, the Crime Stop number 08600 10111, the nearest police station, or use the MySAPSApp.

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