South Africa
Six officers detained for allegedly smuggling cigarettes─── 14:49 Mon, 28 Nov 2022
On Monday morning, six police officers who were detained for alleged corruption at a border crossing between South Africa and Zimbabwe in Musina, Limpopo, are anticipated to make their initial court appearances.
The SABC reports the arrests are related to the smuggling of illegal cigarettes into the nation, according to Samuel Manala, the deputy provincial police commissioner in charge of criminal detection in Limpopo.
According to Manala, an aggressive operation on Friday resulted in the arrest of the police officials who are affiliated with the Tshamutumbu police station.
Six police officers were detained as a consequence of a thorough investigation that was launched after the public raised concerns about police officers stationed near the border being involved in different corrupt practices and supporting a gang that was importing cigarettes illegally. The group's members allegedly made it easier for smugglers to enter.
In order to tackle cross-border crimes, South Africa and its neighbours should better coordinate and align, according to Police Minister Bheki Cele earlier this year.
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In November 2021 five suspects were detained in Sandton by Gauteng police after they discovered a shipment of illegal cigarettes worth approximately R10 million.
Police arrested the suspects in Grayston Square after receiving information from criminal intelligence.
