Just in: R25- million worth of illegal cigarettes seized in Polokwane
A multi-disciplinary law enforcement operation led to the discovery of a warehouse allegedly used to store illicit cigarettes worth approximately R25- million and the arrest of a 39-year-old suspect in Nirvana, Polokwane.
The operation, conducted on Wednesday, 11 March 2026, in the Westenburg SAPS precinct of the Capricorn District, was based on intelligence about a warehouse used for illicit cigarette storage.
A coordinated team of SAPS and Customs officials from Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Free State, and Limpopo searched the premises.
Large quantities of illicit cigarettes, estimated at R25 million, were seized, and a 39-year-old Indian national, believed to be the warehouse manager, was arrested for contravening the Customs and Excise Act.
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, led the provincial management to the scene, accompanied by Major General Govender, Capricorn District Commissioner Major General Mashilo, and members from ORS, POP, TRT, DPCI, and SARS.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 13 March 2026.
Investigations continue, and more arrests are expected as authorities work to dismantle the network behind the illicit cigarette trade.
