Cape Town – Matthews Ncube, a 46-year-old Zimbabwean, was remanded in custody by the Lephalale Magistrate’s Court in Limpopo after being arrested at the Groblersbrug port of entry for attempting to smuggle illicit goods, including skin lightening creams, into South Africa.
Ncube appeared in court on Thursday, Limpopo police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, said.
The contraband, valued at approximately R126,000, was discovered during a routine inspection.
“He was remanded in custody until June 6, for formal bail application. The suspect who is a foreign national from Zimbabwe was intercepted during a routine inspection at the border post.
#sapsLIM A 46yr-old male suspect, who was apprehended by Police at the Groblersburg Port of Entry for attempting to smuggle a significant quantity of illicit creams into the country, was remanded in custody when he appeared before Lephalale Magistrate’s Court on Thursday 23/05.… pic.twitter.com/tHv0AA8x3A
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) May 24, 2024
“The operation, led by vigilant officers stationed at Groblersbrug, took place on the evening of Tuesday, May 21. The officers conducted a thorough search of the suspect’s truck, which resulted in the discovery of multiple containers of illicit creams concealed within the cargo area,” said Ledwaba.
Ncube, facing charges of smuggling and customs violations, will remain in custody until his formal bail application on June 6.
Limpopo police praised the officers’ swift actions, emphasising their commitment to combating illegal smuggling and protecting borders.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
