Border crackdown: R1.3m Range Rover, R2.3m illicit cigarettes seized in Limpopo

A R1.3 million Range Rover recovered from the Limpopo River after suspects allegedly drove the vehicle into the water while attempting to evade soldiers.

South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers deployed along the South Africa-Zimbabwe border have confiscated illicit goods and a luxury vehicle together worth nearly R4 million during a series of anti-smuggling operations in Limpopo Province.

The operations, conducted by members of the 4 Artillery Regiment under Joint Operations Limpopo, resulted in the seizure of a Range Rover valued at R1.3 million, illicit goods worth R44,000 and illicit cigarettes worth more than R2.3 million.

According to the SANDF, the luxury vehicle was recovered from the Limpopo River after suspects allegedly drove it into the water while attempting to evade arrest.

Illicit cigarettes and other goods worth more than R2.3 million seized by SANDF soldiers during operations along the South Africa-Zimbabwe border in Limpopo.

"While busy at various parts of the South Africa/Zimbabwe border, our soldiers confiscated a Range Rover valued at R1,300,000.00 which unfortunately the suspects had driven straight into the Limpopo River in their attempt to evade arrest," the SANDF said.

The military said the suspects fled the scene, but soldiers retrieved the vehicle from the river.

In a separate operation in the Malalahoek area, soldiers confiscated illicit goods valued at R44,000.

Meanwhile, near Echo Station 1, troops intercepted a consignment of illicit cigarettes worth R2,344,845.

The SANDF praised the efforts of soldiers deployed along the border, describing their operations as relentless in the fight against cross-border crime.

"Men and women of 4 Artillery Regiment refuse to sleep at night. And that is mostly when their operations become fruitful," the SANDF said.