Zimbabwean national Shumba Munetsi is expected to appear in the Phalala Magistrate’s Court in Lephalale on Monday for a formal bail application after being arrested in connection with the alleged smuggling of tobacco worth R3.8 million.

Munetsi, 45, was arrested by members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) Border Policing team at the Groblersbrug Port of Entry on 24 August after police allegedly found more than seven tonnes of suspected manufactured tobacco concealed inside an LP gas trailer.

According to Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, the arrest followed an inspection of a Volvo truck towing the trailer at about 6.42 pm as it attempted to enter South Africa.

“The truck and trailer were subjected to an initial inspection and subsequently referred for a more thorough search. During the inspection, the driver indicated that the trailer was carrying gas.”

“Members, however, became suspicious after discovering a large concealed hatch underneath the trailer. The construction and position of the hatch appeared to provide access to the interior of the trailer and raised suspicions that it could be used to conceal goods,” Ledwaba said.

When questioned, Munetsi allegedly admitted that the trailer was not carrying gas as initially indicated and was instead being used to transport tobacco products.

“The concealed hatch was opened in the presence of the police members, who discovered 521 plastic bags containing approximately 7 294 kilograms of suspected manufactured tobacco concealed underneath the trailer. The suspected tobacco has an estimated value of R3.8 million,” he added.

The Volvo truck and trailer were seized and are estimated to be worth a combined R1.8m.

Munetsi appeared briefly in the Phalala Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, where the matter was postponed to Monday for a formal bail hearing. He remains in custody.

The investigation is continuing, with police seeking to establish where the tobacco originated and its intended destination. Investigators are also trying to determine whether other people were involved in the alleged smuggling operation.

Limpopo provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Jan Petrus Scheepers welcomed the Border Policing team’s vigilance in detecting the concealed compartment.

Scheepers said police would continue to intensify operations at ports of entry and other strategic points in an effort to disrupt the movement of illicit goods and protect the economy from organised criminal activity.