Illicit cigarettes in military base: SANDF says soldiers in Limpopo conducted unauthorised operation
The SANDF said during an unauthorised operation in Limpopo, shots were reportedly fired, and illicit goods were seized, and some contraband was unlawfully concealed at a military base.
Image: SAPS
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has confirmed that an operation where soldiers intercepted cigarette smugglers and confiscated boxes of contraband was unauthorized.
On Wednesday, IOL reported that five members of the SANDF, including a female soldier, had been arrested alongside two undocumented Zimbabwean nationals after they allegedly conspired to steal a consignment of illicit cigarettes near the Limpopo River.
Provincial police spokesperson in Limpopo, Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba, said the suspects, aged between 26 and 42, were nabbed on Tuesday during a joint operation by the SAPS Limpopo Beitbridge Task Team and military intelligence.
The seven arrested people are expected to appear before the Musina Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, facing charges of corruption, possession of illicit cigarettes, unlawful discharge of a firearm, and defeating the ends of justice.
On the other hand, the SANDF confirmed the arrest of five of its members, together with the two foreign nationals, following an intelligence-led operation in Musina.
“Preliminary reports indicate that, at approximately midnight on 16 September 2025, a group of SANDF members allegedly conducted an unauthorised operation at Artonvilla, Musina (also known as Sediba sa Tlou base). It is alleged that the members, acting in concert with two Zimbabwean nationals, attempted to unlawfully intercept a group of smugglers transporting illicit cigarettes into South Africa,” said SANDF spokesperson, Rear Admiral Prince Tshabalala.
“During the incident, shots were reportedly fired, illicit goods were seized, and some contraband was unlawfully concealed at the base.”
Following credible intelligence, the SANDF military police, military intelligence, and the SAPS launched a joint operation later that morning.
The intervening team discovered six hidden boxes of illicit cigarettes inside the military base, in addition to the 18 boxes that had already been handed over to SARS.
Shots were fired, forcing cigarette smugglers to flee, leaving 24 boxes of illicit cigarettes which were allegedly stolen by the SANDF members and undocumented Zimbabweans.
Image: SAPS
“The suspects initially attempted to obstruct the investigation and to deny access to the premises. However, after engagement with senior SANDF officers, the search was successfully conducted,” said Tshabalala.
A case was formally registered at Musina SAPS under charges of corruption, possession of illicit cigarettes, unlawful discharge of a firearm, and defeating the ends of justice.
“The SANDF views these allegations in a very serious light. Such conduct undermines the integrity of the defence force and the trust placed in its members by the Republic of South Africa. The SANDF will cooperate fully with SAPS, SARS, and other law enforcement agencies to ensure that justice is served,” said Tshabalala.
SANDF Chief, General Rudzani Maphwanya.
Image: Jaques Naude
Meanwhile, the Chief of the SANDF, General Rudzani Maphwanya, has directed that internal disciplinary processes against the implicated soldiers run concurrently with criminal proceedings, and the outcome of these processes will determine further administrative and command decisions.
The SANDF has reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on corruption, smuggling, and misconduct within its ranks.
“Any member found to be acting in contravention of the law will face the full consequences of both military and civilian justice systems,” the SANDF emphasized.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
IOL News