Suspect arrest after short chase with police

MUSINA – Police have arrested a 20-year-old foreign national male suspect for attempting to smuggle a substantial quantity of illicit cigarettes into the country. The arrest follows a high-speed chase with the police on Tuesday morning , 09 July 2024, within the Zebediela policing area in the Capricorn district.

The members of the Provincial Anti-Smuggling Task team followed information about a Ford Ranger bakkie traveling from Musina loaded with illicit cigarettes. The vehicle was spotted near Bergenek, traveling at a high speed towards Zebediela.

The officers signaled for the driver to pull over, but the suspect accelerated, leading to a dangerous pursuit. The chase ensued over several kilometers, with police officers maintaining a coordinated effort to apprehend the suspect.

The pursuit concluded when the suspect’s vehicle lost control between Zebediela and Mokopane junction and stopped.The driver then jumped out of the vehicle and attempted to evade arrest however, he was swiftly apprehended.

Upon inspection, officers discovered 26 boxes of illicit cigarettes concealed within the vehicle. The suspect did not possess a valid driver’s license and documents to be in the country.The illicit cigarettes have an estimated street value of R160,000. The vehicle was also seized as part of an investigation.

The suspect will be charged with smuggling illicit goods, reckless and negligent driving, driving a motor vehicle without a valid driver’s license, and contravening the immigration Act. He will soon appear before Mokopane Magistrate’s Court. The investigation is ongoing.