Leeudoringstad - A 42-year-old Zimbabwean national, Gordon Sibanda, has appeared before the Leeudoringstad Periodical Court for a bail application, following his initial appearance at the Wolmaransstad Magistrate’s Court
Sibanda was arrested on Monday, 2nd June 2025, after police intercepted and searched a truck he was driving on the Leeudoringstad/Orkney road
Officers discovered 169 boxes of illicit Chief and Remington cigarettes, with an estimated street value of R850 000. The suspect was arrested on the spot, and the truck along with the illicit cargo was confiscated by authorities
He faces a charge of illegal possession of illicit cigarettes. The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the North West, Major General Patrick Asaneng, commended the arrest, calling it a significant breakthrough in the province’s fight against the illicit economy, which undermines legal trade, evades taxes
“It is alarming that the accused and the contraband managed to travel such a distance from the Port of Entry without being detected” - Major General Asaneng
“This raises serious questions about border control procedures. The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) must thoroughly investigate how these goods entered the country undetected”
He further stressed the need for accountability
“If evidence of corruption or negligence by officials emerges, those responsible must face the full force of the law”
The case has highlighted growing concerns over the smuggling of illicit goods into the regions of the country , which poses both economic and law enforcement challenges.
The DPCI is currently investigating the possibility of collusion or border control failures that allowed the illegal cargo to bypass standard security checks. Sibanda remains in custody pending his next court appearance
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Updated: June 2025
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