A Chinese foreign national and his alleged accomplice in the North West were arrested for possessing a huge quantity of counterfeit cigarettes.
The pair, Huan Chen, 37, and Tshepo Lehokwa, 22, were nabbed by the Mahikeng Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), also known as Hawks, and the Mahikeng Local Criminal Centre (LCRC) in Ottoshoop.
South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh said the two individuals were apprehended after the team obtained some information about the suspected illegal cigarette trade.
“The suspects’ white Mercedes Benz Sprinter was traced to the R49 road between Mahikeng and Ottoshoop where the vehicle was stopped at midday near a bridge,” Myburgh said.
The car and its two passengers were searched. During the search of the vehicle, the crew discovered 40 cases of Remington Gold cigarettes worth an estimated R560,000.
The occupants were immediately arrested after failing to account for the counterfeit cigarettes.
Chen and Lehokwa appeared before the Mmabatho Magistrates’ Court on Friday, November 1,2024 for possession of counterfeit cigarettes.
The matter was postponed to Saturday, November 2, 2024, and Chen was granted bail of R15,000 and Lehokwa R500. Their next court appearance will be on Monday, November 4.
The Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, praised the members for their exceptional teamwork, which culminated in the achievement.
IOL News