hree male suspects were by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) Tactical Response Unit officers for the possession of illicit cigarettes in Brixton, Johannesburg.
On 05 March 2025, while conducting routine crime prevention patrols in the Brixton area, officers observed a white Hino truck being escorted by a white Audi Q3. Suspecting suspicious activity, officers called for backup and initiated a traffic stop.
Upon activating their blue lights and siren, the Audi Q3 attempted to flee the scene, prompting a chase. One JMPD vehicle successfully stopped the truck, while another gave chase to the Audi. The Audi was subsequently stopped along Albertina Sisulu Road in Maraisburg.
The Audi was then escorted back to the Brixton area. During the investigation, officers discovered the key to the truck’s cargo area in the possession of the Audi driver. Upon opening the truck, officers found a load of chairs and mattresses. Hidden behind these items were 19 boxes covered with a cloth.
Upon inspection, the boxes were found to contain Remington Gold cigarettes. When questioned, the drivers of both
vehicles confirmed that the cigarettes belonged to the occupants of the white Audi.
The trio was placed under arrest for possession of illicit cigarettes worth approximately R300,000. They were detained at Brixton SAPS, where a case docket was opened for further investigation.
The Hino truck and the Audi Q3 were seized and booked in at the SAPS Aeroton vehicle pound as evidence used in the commission of a crime.
“This successful operation demonstrates the JMPD’s unwavering commitment to tackling crime and protecting our
communities,” said JMPD Chief of Police, Chief Patrick Jaca. “Our officers’ vigilance and swift action have resulted in the removal of a significant amount of illicit goods from our streets, and we will continue to work tirelessly to disrupt criminal activities and hold those responsible accountable.”
JMPD Tactical Response Unit makes significant arrests for possession of illicit cigarettes in Brixton https://t.co/WBPClrpb63#ArriveAlive #IllicitCigarettes #Enforcement @JoburgMPD @TruckAndFreight pic.twitter.com/EwWel2SDFS
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) March 7, 2025
