Last updated on 2024-04-30
A Tanzanian man was arrested on Saturday at Groblersbrug border post near Tomburke, Lephalale for attempting to smuggle dagga into Botswana, marking the second such arrest at this location within just over a month.
The proximity of the incidents in both time and geography indicates a potential network operating in the area.
The 58-year-old Tanzanian male suspect was apprehended by SAPS Border Policing for trying to smuggle dagga worth over R1 million at the border post.
The suspect was driving a white Toyota Hilux with Gauteng registration plates and was caught around 4:00 pm while crossing the border from South Africa into Botswana..
Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba, a police spokesperson, confirmed motor vehicle was stopped at a checkpoint and searched, revealing 19 bags of dagga weighing approximately 450 kg with an estimated street value of R1,890,000.
The vehicle, valued at over R400,000, was seized as part of the investigation, and the suspect was taken into custody at the Witpoort police station.
This arrest follows another incident on March 26 when a Tanzanian man was caught trying to smuggle dagga at the same border post.
The suspect, Kuma Risase IDDI, 50, was apprehended by alert police officers on duty.
Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, spokesperson for the Limpopo police, confirmed the arrest made in March 10:00 pm.
Officers intercepted a suspicious white van traveling from Cape Town to Botswana and found 30 bags of dagga weighing a total of 629.49 kg, valued at over R2 million, concealed in the vehicle.
The officers also impounded the white Iveco panel van, worth over R300,000, as part of their investigation.
Provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, emphasised the commitment of their teams to eradicating illicit activities and ensuring border safety.
The suspect was due to appear before the Phalala Magistrate’s Court in Witpoort, Ga-Seleka, where another suspect is already facing charges of dealing in dagga.
Police said Investigations are ongoing.
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