Members of the Provincial Flying Squad arrested two 26-year-old male suspects on Saturday, 28 February 2026, for the alleged possession of illicit cigarettes and attempting to bribe police officers in the Sebayeng policing area.
According to police reports, officers were on patrol duties when they observed a red Kwid motor vehicle parked under a tree along the roadside. Police stopped and approached the vehicle, where they encountered a 26-year-old male suspect. After requesting permission to search the vehicle, which was granted, police discovered the car was fully loaded with illicit cigarettes. The suspect was immediately placed under arrest.
While officers were processing the scene, a second 26-year-old male approached the police and offered them cash in exchange for the release of his friend and the vehicle. Police issued a caution against bribery and interference with official duties, but the suspect persisted. He was subsequently placed under arrest for allegedly attempting to bribe the police with R4,000.
During the operation, law enforcement seized illicit cigarettes with an estimated street value of R60,000, as well as the motor vehicle believed to have been used in the commission of the crime.
The two suspects are scheduled to appear before the Mankweng Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 02 March 2026. They face charges of possession of illicit cigarettes and bribery.