HLUHLUWE SAPS arrested seven suspects and recovered numerous boxes of counterfeit cigarettes as well as a considerable amount of weave hair last (Thursday) night.
The police were reacting after receiving a tip-off about a double cab bakkie reportedly transporting the contraband items.
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Police quickly set up an operation and stopped the vehicle.
‘Upon searching the vehicle, they discovered counterfeit cigarettes and weave hair.
‘During the interrogation, the suspects led the police to a two-roomed house they are renting in town and when they searched the house, they found other boxes containing cigarettes and hair,’ said uMkhanyakude police cluster spokesperson, Captain Jabulani Mdletshe.
Mdletshe further stated that a Somali national among those apprehended approached Hluhluwe Vispol Commander, Captain Eugine Nxumalo, and begged him to let them go.
‘While they were busy at the station the same suspect went to his office and offered a large sum of money, claiming it was R100 000, but after it had been counted it was found to be R98 500.
‘The commander refused to accept the money and arrested the suspect for attempted bribery.
‘The street value of the recovered cigarettes is estimated to be R700 000 and the weave hair is about R300 000,’ said Mdletshe.
Mdletshe said all suspects have been detained at Hluhluwe police cells pending further police investigation and would appear in court soon.
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