Bloemfontein – Two men were arrested in the Free State for transporting 36 boxes of illicit cigarettes worth over R1 million from Petrusburg to Bloemfontein.
Police spokesperson Mahlomola Kareli confirmed that the arrests took place on Friday afternoon following a tip-off about a white van moving illicit cigarettes from Petrusburg to Bloemfontein.
The authorities intercepted the van on Kwaggafontein Street, where two men, aged 35 and 29, were found in possession of 36 boxes of illegal cigarettes.
“When questioned about the origin of the goods and asked to produce invoices, the suspects were unable to provide any satisfactory explanation or documentation,” Kareli said.
“While in custody, one of the suspects attempted to bribe the police with an amount of R15 000 to secure his release. A separate charge of bribery was added against him.”
The cigarettes and van were seized.
South Africa loses around R30 billion annually to illicit cigarette and alcohol trade, which Tracit’s 2025 report links to inflation, high unemployment, organised crime, and new smuggling channels, highlighting ongoing challenges to the country’s economic stability and governance.
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Picture: Facebook/SAPS
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
