R20k bail in R7.3 m cigarette smuggling case

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A Zimbabwean man arrested for smuggling cigarettes worth an estimated of R7.3 million was granted bail in the Zeerust Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, North West police said.

RUSTENBURG – A Zimbabwean man arrested for smuggling cigarettes worth an estimated of R7.3 million was granted bail in the Zeerust Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, North West police said.

Colonel Sabata Mokgwabone said Cleophas Meso, 42, was granted R20 000 bail and his case was postponed to June 12.

Meso was arrested on April 12 at the Kopfontein port of entry.

“It is alleged that the truck was crossing the border from Botswana to South Africa when the police stopped and searched it,” said Colonel Mokgwabone.

He said the police became suspicious and requested Meso to pull over before officers unhooked the trailer.

The officers found a false compartment underneath the trailer.

The compartment was opened and 519 Chelsea master cases and 1732 packets (20’s) of cigarettes were found inside, said Mokgwabone. – ANA