Corruption in uniform: SANDF members arrested at Beitbridge Border

LITANY OF CHARGES

Masabata Mkwananzi|Published
Shots were fired, forcing cigarette smugglers to flee, leaving 24 boxes of illicit cigarettes which were allegedly stolen by the SANDF members and undocumented Zimbabweans.

Five SANDF members and two undocumented Zimbabwean nationals will appear in court facing charges of corruption, illegal possession of ammunition, and smuggling illicit cigarettes.

Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba confirmed that the suspects, aged between 26 and 42, were arrested on Tuesday, September 16, in a joint operation by the SAPS Beitbridge Task Team and Military Intelligence.

According to Mashaba, the seven suspects will appear in the Musina Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, September 18, to face a litany of charges, including corruption, possession of illicit cigarettes, unlawful possession of ammunition, defeating the ends of justice, contravening the Immigration Act, unlawful discharge of a firearm, and even impersonating military officials.

He added that the arrests stem from an incident at Artonvilla, along the first Malaladrift road near the Limpopo River, where the suspects allegedly plotted to intercept and steal a consignment of illicit cigarettes smuggled into South Africa.

"During the operation, shots were reportedly fired, forcing smugglers to abandon 24 boxes of illicit cigarettes. Six boxes were later recovered inside a temporary military camp, resulting in the arrest of the SANDF members."

Mashaba added that follow-up operations at several houses in Matswale, Musina, uncovered 18 live rounds of ammunition, six .303 rifle cartridges, and two pairs of SANDF uniforms at a property in Phase 12.

The suspects face multiple serious charges including corruption, unlawful possession of ammunition, and defeating the ends of justice. The case highlights ongoing efforts to combat corruption within security forces at South Africa's borders.

The suspects face multiple serious charges including corruption, unlawful possession of ammunition, and defeating the ends of justice. The case highlights ongoing efforts to combat corruption within security forces at South Africa's borders.

Image: Supplied

Five SANDF members and two Zimbabwean nationals have been arrested in a joint police operation near the Limpopo River for alleged involvement in smuggling illicit cigarettes.

Image: Supplied

Police then moved to another residence in Matswale, where two more suspects were arrested after officers recovered three 9mm live rounds and two pairs of SANDF uniforms. In Phase 09, yet another suspect was apprehended when found in possession of a single live 9mm round.

Limpopo Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe praised the swift joint operation, warning that corruption within the ranks will not be tolerated. 

“Corruption and criminality involving members entrusted with safeguarding the nation’s security will be dealt with decisively,” she said.

The Star

masabata.mkwananzi@inl.co.za