SA: Smuggling suspects flee into Zimbabwe as Limpopo police thwart operation

By Agencies

LIMPOPO: The South Africa Police’s Operation Vala Umodi thwarted a major smuggling operation along the Limpopo River in the Musina policing area leading to the confiscation of goods valued at R500k.

The operation’s National Intervention (Roving) Team was conducting a mid-morning routine patrol near the Tshirundu village on Saturday (January 11) when they received a tip-off about eight small boats loading goods.

“When the suspects noticed the police, they got into the boats and fled back into Zimbabwe, abandoning most of the goods,” said police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Thakeng.

“The confiscated items, which were likely being smuggled across the border, include alcoholic beverages, energy drinks, baked goods, flour, and other consumer goods, along with a chest fridge.”

The provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe commended the team for their swift and decisive action, noting that the success of the operation highlights SAPS’ ongoing commitment to combating cross-border crimes and illegal trade activities.

“All seized items have been registered at the Musina SAPS for further investigation and processing,” Thankeng concluded.