A 64-year-old foreign national woman was arrested today, Wednesday, 23 July 2025, for possession of illicit cigarettes valued at an estimated R100,000. The arrest was made during a self-initiated compliance operation conducted by members of the Vala Umgodi Operation in Zastron.
At approximately 11:30, Vala Umgodi Operation members, engaged in a disruptive operation in Wepener, extended their efforts to Zastron to visit foreign national wholesalers. The focus of these visits was to ensure compliance regarding counterfeit goods and illicit cigarettes.
Upon visiting one foreign-owned wholesale business, members found a female inside the shop. While searching for suspected illicit cigarettes, members discovered several boxes of illicit cigarettes hidden in a bathroom attached to the business premises.
Personnel from the Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA) were contacted to verify the authenticity of the cigarettes, confirming them to be illicit. The 64-year-old foreign national was immediately arrested on charges of possession of suspected illicit cigarettes.
Investigations are ongoing.
