A man is expected to appear in court again this week following his arrest during an operation in Dirkiesdorp for the illegal transportation of tobacco products.
On 11 February 2026, members of Crime Prevention conducted an operation in Dirkiesdorp, near Piet Retief, targeting social grant payment day. During the operation, officers stopped and searched a white VW Caddy.
Inside the vehicle, members discovered various brands of tobacco products being transported to Piet Retief. The driver, identified as Mahimed Bhule, failed to produce the required documentation, including a commercial invoice, excise documentation from SARS Customs, proof of legal ownership, and tax compliance documentation.
Bhule was arrested for illegal trade, and the tobacco products, valued at approximately R30,000, were confiscated. Officials from the Mahamba Border Post Customs were summoned and have detained the goods for further investigation.
The suspect appeared at the Piet Retief Magistrate’s Court on 12 February 2026. He remains in custody and is scheduled to appear again on 19 February 2026.