Stopping illegal trade with focused road checks

The South African Police Service (SAPS) unit in Gravelotte successfully apprehended two male suspects, aged 37 and 50, for the illegal possession of cigarettes over the weekend. The arrests took place on Sunday, 28 September, near the Karongwe boom gate situated close to the Harmony Blocks. Both individuals are now facing charges related to illicit trade and are scheduled to appear before the Namakgale Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 30 September.

Detailed information on the arrest

• Date of Incident: Sunday, 28 September.
• Date of Court Appearance: Tuesday, 30 September.
• Location of Arrest: Near the Harmony Blocks area at the Karongwe boom gate.
• Arresting Authority: SAPS Gravelotte. The operation falls under the Limpopo province division (#sapsLIM).
• Suspects Involved: Two adult males, aged 37 and 50 years old.
• Charge: Possession of illicit cigarettes. This activity is targeted under the police campaign to #StopIllicitTrade.
• Court Scheduled: The suspects will be brought before the Namakgale Magistrate’s Court.
• Institutions/Companies Mentioned: The location is defined by Harmony Blocks and the Karongwe boom gate.

Full details of the incident

The campaign to clamp down on the illegal tobacco market saw success in the Limpopo province when officers from SAPS Gravelotte made two key arrests. The incident occurred on Sunday, 28 September, when police were performing duties near a known checkpoint—the Karongwe boom gate, which is situated close to the mining or residential area known as Harmony Blocks. During their operation, the police intercepted and detained two men, a 37-year-old and a 50-year-old, after discovering that they were in possession of illegal cigarettes.

The possession and trade of illicit cigarettes are significant crimes because they undermine the regulated economy, evade necessary taxes, and often fund organised criminal syndicates. The SAPS consistently highlights the necessity of fighting this type of crime through campaigns like #StopIllicitTrade.

Following their arrest, the suspects were processed and held in custody. They are set for a speedy appearance in the judicial system, with their hearing scheduled for Tuesday, 30 September, at the Namakgale Magistrate’s Court. For more information straight from the source regarding police efforts against crime, you can check the official announcement made by the SA Police Service.

You can find the original tweet and photographic evidence of the arrest shared by the SA Police Service here: Update from SAPS on illicit trade arrest.

Questions the community might have

• Q: What exactly are illicit cigarettes?
  A: Illicit cigarettes are tobacco products that have been smuggled, counterfeit, or produced without paying the necessary taxes or duties to the government. They are often sold cheaper than legal products.
• Q: Why is the arrest of people with illicit cigarettes important?
  A: Arresting those involved in the illicit trade is crucial because the sale of untaxed goods deprives the state of significant revenue needed for public services. It also helps dismantle criminal networks involved in smuggling and fraud.
• Q: Where is Gravelotte located, and why did this happen near a boom gate?
  A: Gravelotte is a small town in the Limpopo province of South Africa. Boom gates, especially those near blocks or company properties like Harmony Blocks, are often strategic points used by police for checkpoints and to monitor traffic flow, making them common locations for intercepting illegal goods.
• Q: What kind of penalty could the 37-year-old and 50-year-old suspects face?
  A: Penalties for possession and dealing in illicit goods can range from heavy fines to prison time, depending on the quantity of cigarettes found and any prior convictions they might have related to economic or organised crime.
• Q: Are the cigarettes usually manufactured in South Africa or smuggled in?
  A: Illicit cigarettes can be either smuggled in from neighbouring countries or manufactured domestically by unlicensed operators who evade tax requirements.
• Q: How can residents help the police stop illicit trade in areas like Limpopo?
  A: Community members are encouraged to report any suspicious activity, especially the sale of extremely cheap or unmarked tobacco products, to their local SAPS station or via the Crime Stop hotline.
• Q: Can I read more news about similar crimes happening in the region?
  A: Yes, you can stay informed about police actions and other local news from the area by visiting sites dedicated to regional updates, such as reading more stories here: Thohoyandou and Limpopo area news.