Two Zimbabwean nationals, aged 40 and 28, are scheduled to appear before the Dennilton Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 23 April 2026, in connection with the smuggling of illicit tobacco products valued at approximately R6 million.
The suspects were arrested on Tuesday, 21 April 2026, during an intelligence-driven anti-smuggling operation. The operation was carried out by the Provincial Tracking Team in collaboration with Tshimollo Security and Investigations.
According to police, information was received regarding an 8-ton Fuso truck suspected of transporting illicit hookah tobacco, commonly known as hubbly, from Zimbabwe to areas within the Sekhukhune District. The vehicle was intercepted along the R573 road in the Dennilton policing area.
A search of the truck revealed a concealed false compartment containing 904 master boxes of illicit tobacco. Both occupants of the vehicle were arrested at the scene.
The suspects face charges under the Customs and Excise Act, 1964 (Act No. 91 of 1964), including the smuggling of illicit tobacco products. The truck used in the commission of the crime has been seized and will be subjected to forfeiture proceedings.
Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, the Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, commended the members involved for their vigilance and swift action in disrupting cross-border criminal activity.
Police have confirmed that investigations are ongoing and have not ruled out the possibility of further arrests.