The National Prosecuting Authority’s Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) and the Hawks in Limpopo have secured forfeiture orders for property worth more than R1 million linked to illicit cigarette smuggling operations in the province.

The orders were granted by the High Court in Polokwane and relate to cash and vehicles recovered from eleven illicit cigarette dealers.

The vehicles, which were allegedly used in the commission of crimes, were seized in Musina, Modimolle, Makuya village and Waterval.

Cash recovered during the operations has also been forfeited to the Criminal Assets Recovery Account.

Limpopo Hawks Provincial Head, Gopz Govender, has commended law enforcement officials for their efforts in combating criminal activity.

Govender says authorities will continue prioritising investigations aimed at stripping criminals of assets obtained through unlawful activities and ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice.

The Hawks and the Asset Forfeiture Unit say the forfeiture of proceeds and instruments of crime remains an important tool in disrupting organised criminal networks and preventing further illicit activities.

Limpopo police bust illicit cigarette operation


#sapsHAWKS [ACTIVE CRIME SCENE]
Alert members of the Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit in Mpumalanga, working alongside other stakeholders, arrested two suspects and recovered 50 master boxes of illicit cigarettes valued at just over half a million. #StopIllicitTrade ML pic.twitter.com/e60KWQN3j1

— SA Police Service (@SAPoliceService) June 5, 2026

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