Illicit cigarettes: NPA says undocumented Zimbabweans were found hiding in SANDF base
Police raided the Artonvilla base (known as Sediba Sa Tlou) and upon searching the premises, they found six master boxes of Remington Gold cigarettes concealed under SANDF members’ beds.
Image: File
Five members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) have been released on bail after they appeared before the Musina Magistrate's Court on charges related to illicit cigarette smuggling.
Their two co-accused, both undocumented Zimbabwean nationals, were found hiding at the military base where the smuggling operation took place.
Limpopo regional spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi, said the five soldiers are Macdonald Tshabadira, 28; Waydon Peterson, 29; Khuliso Tshivhenga, 42; Khodani Abel Maphukhumela, 29; and Evah Mmaphuthi Modisa, 39. Each was granted bail of R5,000.
Their two co-accused, Livhuwani Mutavhatsindi, 27, and Perfious Chauke, 27, were remanded in custody without bail. The Zimbabwean nationals also face charges under the Immigration Act.
Malabi-Dzhangi said the group faces charges of possession of illicit cigarettes, possession of ammunition, and defeating the ends of justice.
The arrests on September 16, 2025, followed an incident at the Artonvilla military base, where the SANDF members allegedly intercepted a group of smugglers transporting 24 master boxes of illicit Remington Gold cigarettes, valued at an estimated R300,000.
It is alleged that the soldiers only declared 18 of the boxes to SA Revenue Service Customs, while the remaining six boxes were later found hidden under their beds.
"Police were alerted to the discrepancy and, upon searching the premises, found six master boxes of Remington Gold cigarettes concealed under the SANDF members’ beds. Two civilians were also discovered hiding at the base. The accused were immediately arrested," said Malabi-Dzhangi.
On the other hand, the SANDF has confirmed that the operation was unauthorized and has reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on corruption, with disciplinary processes to run concurrently with the criminal proceedings.
“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 case has been adjourned until November 14, 2025, for further investigation.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
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