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16 hours ago
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Five SANDF members and two Zimbabwean nationals were arrested near Musina for allegedly stealing illicit cigarettes during an unauthorised midnight raid.
- Five SANDF members and two Zimbabwean nationals face charges for intercepting and stealing illicit cigarettes near Musina.
- A joint operation by military police, military intelligence, and SAPS uncovered hidden contraband and led to arrests.
- The accused faced multiple charges, with SANDF pledging full cooperation with the investigation.
Five members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), as well as two Zimbabwean nationals, have been arrested on allegations of corruption and theft.
According to the SANDF, the group allegedly intercepted and stole a consignment of illicit cigarettes being smuggled into the country at the Sediba sa Tlou base in Artonvilla, near Musina, on Tuesday.
In a statement on Wednesday, the SANDF said preliminary reports indicated that the group conducted an unauthorised midnight raid where they allegedly fired shots, forcing the apparent smugglers to abandon 24 boxes of illicit cigarettes.
“It is alleged that the members, acting in concert with two Zimbabwean nationals, attempted to unlawfully intercept a group of smugglers transporting illicit cigarettes into South Africa,” said the SANDF.
“Shots were reportedly fired, illicit goods were seized, and some contraband was unlawfully concealed at the base.”
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It is alleged that the fired shots forced smugglers to abandon 24 boxes of illicit cigarettes, which the group allegedly took.
Following intelligence information, a joint operation was launched by the military police, military intelligence, and the SA Police Service (SAPS) later on Tuesday morning.
Six hidden boxes of illicit cigarettes were found inside the base, in addition to the 18 boxes that had already been handed over to the South African Revenue Services (SARS).
The SANDF said:
The suspects initially attempted to obstruct the investigation and deny access to the premises. However, after engagement with senior SANDF officers, the search was successfully conducted.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said the group, including two undocumented Zimbabwean nationals, were arrested.
He said the suspects, aged between 26 and 42, including a female soldier, were expected to appear in the Musina Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
“They face charges of corruption, possession of illicit cigarettes, unlawful discharge of a firearm, and defeating the ends of justice,” Mashaba said.
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The SANDF said it viewed the allegations against its members in a very serious light, stating that such conduct undermined the integrity of the Defence Force.
“The SANDF will cooperate fully with SAPS, SARS, and other law enforcement agencies to ensure that justice is served,” the SANDF added.
“The chief of the SANDF has directed that internal disciplinary processes run concurrently with criminal proceedings, and the outcome of these processes will determine further administrative and command decisions.”
The SANDF further reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on corruption, smuggling, and misconduct within its ranks.
“Any member found to be acting in contravention of the law will face the full consequences of both military and civilian justice systems.”
