Midnight Limpopo chase ends with R100k illicit cigarette seizure

Mankweng police seized illicit cigarettes worth about R100,000 after a high-speed chase through Limpopo that ended with a suspect abandoning his vehicle and fleeing on foot.

Early-morning pursuit in Molepo area

Members of the Mankweng Crime Prevention Unit recovered the contraband in the Molepo area during the early hours of Sunday, 20 September. Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said officers were patrolling along the D4040 road at Ga-Rampheri at 2:50am when they spotted a white Mercedes-Benz travelling at high speed and appearing suspicious.

Pursuit and abandonment

Ledwaba said police signalled the driver to stop, but the driver failed to do so and a pursuit ensued. The vehicle was pursued until it reached the Astron Garage at Ga-Chuene, within the Lebowakgomo policing area, where the driver abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot into nearby bushes. Officers attempted to pursue the suspect, but he managed to evade arrest and remains at large.

Seized items and investigation

Upon searching the abandoned Mercedes, police recovered illicit cigarettes that were seized along with the vehicle. The recovered stock included 18 boxes of Remington Gold cigarettes and 168 individual cigarettes. Ledwaba described the haul as worth about R100 000. Police investigations are continuing to trace and apprehend the suspect.

How the public can help

Authorities have urged anyone with information to contact the investigating officer, Warrant Officer Alinah Marotola, on 0825659176, the crime stop number 0860010111, the nearest police station or via the MySAPSApp.

Related incident noted

The report noted this was the second similar incident, after a high-speed chase last month that ended with the South African Police Service in Sebayeng and the Capricorn Highway Patrol seizing a white Toyota Hilux packed with illicit cigarettes worth more than R50 000; those suspects also abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot.

“The driver, however, failed to stop and a pursuit ensued,” said Colonel Malesela Ledwaba.