LOOK: Swazi national caught with R17.4 million illicit cigarettes hidden in water tanks
Police discovered 25 pallets of illicit cigarettes concealed inside large water tanks on a truck intercepted in Sundra, leading to the arrest of a 43-year-old Eswatini national.
Image: SAPS
A 43-year-old man from the Kingdom of Eswatini has been arrested in Delmas after police discovered illicit cigarettes worth R17.4 million concealed inside large water tanks being transported on a truck.
Provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane said the arrest was made in Sundra on Friday night, 5 December 2025, at about 22:00. Police in Delmas, working with officers from the Sundra police station and several security companies, had followed up on information about illicit cigarettes reportedly being moved in water tanks.
“Members spotted a truck with two trailers in Sundra and stopped it. The load consisted of twelve 5,000-liter water tanks,” Ndubane said.
Illicit cigarettes worth R17.4 million were found packed inside twelve 5 000-litre water tanks transported on a truck stopped in Sundra, Mpumalanga.
Image: SAPS
During further investigation, police discovered that the tanks were filled to capacity with cartons of illicit cigarettes of various brands. Officers recovered 25 pallets of illicit cigarettes with an estimated street value of R17.4 million.
Ndubane said the 43-year-old suspect was immediately taken into custody for possession of illicit goods. He is expected to appear before the Delmas District Court on Monday, 8 December 2025.
She added that Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, had praised the collaborative effort between police and private security companies, noting that such partnerships strengthened the fight against illegal activities in the province.
Mkhwanazi also assured communities that police would continue working to protect them from all forms of crime. The investigation continues.
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