Soldiers in the Dock: Illicit Cigarettes and Undocumented Nationals Found in SANDF Base

A scandal at the border

When South Africans think about cigarette smuggling, they usually picture shadowy syndicates sneaking goods through bushy border posts, not soldiers in uniform. Yet that’s exactly the picture painted in Musina this week, where five SANDF members were hauled before the local magistrate’s court, accused of helping themselves to contraband instead of protecting the border.

Adding to the shock, two undocumented Zimbabwean nationals were allegedly found hiding inside the very military base where the illicit stash was concealed.

What went down at Artonvilla base

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the drama unfolded at the Artonvilla military base, also known as Sediba sa Tlou, on 16 September. Soldiers allegedly intercepted a group of smugglers carrying in 24 master boxes of Remington Gold cigarettes, worth around R300,000.

But instead of doing their duty, prosecutors say the soldiers declared only 18 boxes to SARS Customs. The missing six boxes? Police later found them stashed under their beds.

The five soldiers – Macdonald Tshabadira (28), Waydon Peterson (29), Khuliso Tshivhenga (42), Khodani Abel Maphukhumela (29), and Evah Mmaphuthi Modisa (39) were each granted R5,000 bail. Their co-accused, Zimbabwean nationals Livhuwani Mutavhatsindi (27) and Perfious Chauke (27), were remanded in custody.

The charges include possession of illicit cigarettes, possession of ammunition, and defeating the ends of justice. The Zimbabweans also face immigration-related charges.

SANDF distances itself

The military has been quick to distance itself from the scandal. Rear Admiral Prince Tshabalala confirmed the operation was unauthorised and condemned the alleged misconduct. “Shots were reportedly fired, illicit goods were seized, and some contraband was unlawfully concealed at the base,” he said.

SANDF military police and SAPS were later tipped off and swooped in on the base, exposing what had happened. Disciplinary proceedings will now run alongside the criminal case.

Bigger than cigarettes?

The case shines a harsh spotlight on long-running allegations of corruption within border patrol units. Musina sits at the heart of South Africa’s porous northern frontier, where smuggling of fuel, cigarettes, and even people has long thrived.

Ordinary South Africans on social media expressed outrage, with one user posting: “If soldiers are the smugglers, who’s guarding the border? We are on our own.” Others pointed out that the case mirrors previous reports of military involvement in illicit trade.

What happens next

The matter has been postponed to 14 November 2025 for further investigation. For now, five soldiers are out on bail, while the two Zimbabwean nationals remain behind bars.

But the damage may already be done. For communities living along the Limpopo border, the story reinforces fears that some of those sworn to protect the nation are instead exploiting its weakest points.

And for the SANDF, it’s another credibility test at a time when public trust in state institutions is already worn thin.

{Source: IOL}

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