An intelligence-driven operation by the Bloemfontein K9 Unit and Provincial Crime Intelligence has dealt a significant blow to the illicit cigarette trade, with counterfeit cigarettes worth an estimated R3.6 million seized in Boshof, Free State.
Acting on intelligence received on Thursday, police conducted raids on Friday at a supermarket in the Boshof CBD, where boxes of counterfeit cigarettes were found hidden beneath a bed, and at a warehouse in Voortrekker Street.
Officers encountered resistance before gaining entry to the warehouse, where they uncovered a large quantity of illicit cigarettes.
Police confiscated 339 boxes and more than 15,000 loose packets of counterfeit cigarettes.
Three men, aged 22, 44 and 56, were arrested and face charges of possession of counterfeit cigarettes as well as contravening the Immigration Act.
The suspects are expected to appear in the Boshof Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 13 July 2026.
@TaxJustice_SA
What they are doing is multi level marketing, it is normal for the "manager" to take those under him on a "road trip", especially to smaller towns to maximise sales...Go to Randburg and you will see many of those companies doing the same thing
WATCH | Police in Polokwane are investigating a suspected human trafficking case after community members in Legae la Batho discovered 23 young men and women living in poor conditions in a house.
Evidence leader Matthew Chaskalson says WhatsApp exchanges between Mike van Wyk and Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala appear to indicate involvement in alleged drug-related dealings.
He told the commission that a video showing what appears to be bricks of cocaine was sent to Van Wyk by Matlala.
In another message, Matlala asks Van Wyk to secure a good price for the substances.
#KayaNews #MadlangaCommission TT
Evidence leader Matthew Chaskalson says WhatsApp exchanges between Mike van Wyk and Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala appear to indicate involvement in alleged drug-related dealings.
He told the commission that a video showing what appears to be bricks of cocaine was sent to Van Wyk by Matlala.
In another message, Matlala asks Van Wyk to secure a good price for the substances.
#KayaNews #MadlangaCommission TT
#MadlangaCommission | A screenshot depicting a WhatsApp conversation between Mr Mohammad Sayed and Mr Julius Malema was obtained and subsequently forwarded to Major General Feroz Khan by Mr Mohammad Sayed. These were questions prepared for the Minister of Police (Bheki Cele) about his alleged relationship with convicted drug lord Timmy Marimuthu.