Tawanda Maxwell Tavuya illicit cigarettes

A 45-year-old truck driver, Tawanda Maxwell Tavuya, was found in possession of illicit cigarettes worth R1.5 million at Skilpadshek border post.

Tavuya was granted bail upon appearing before the Lehurutshe Magistrates court on Thursday.

According to North West police spokesperson Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone, Tavuya was arrested at the Skilpadshek port of entry between South Africa and Botswana on Monday evening.

It is alleged that the cigarettes were en route to South Africa from Zimbabwe, via Botswana.

They were allegedly hidden inside false compartments.

Tavuya briefly appeared in the Lehurutshe Magistrate’s Court on Thursday where he was granted R4 000 bail.

He is scheduled to return to court on 27 October.