EASTERN CAPE – A major consignment of suspected illicit cigarettes was discovered following a truck accident on the N2 near the Kei Cuttings, prompting a comprehensive investigation by the East London, Mthatha Serious Commercial Crime Investigation (SCCI) of the Hawks and Kei Bridge SAPS.
According to Hawks spokesperson Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, the incident occurred on Tuesday, 25 November 2025, when a 10-ton truck travelling from Durban on its way to Qonce veered off the roadway and plunged down an embankment. “Police responded to the scene and discovered the vehicle approximately 50 metres into the surrounding bush. The driver, a Burundian national, was found at the scene and the truck was subsequently recovered and towed to Kei Bridge SAPS premises.”
Mhlakuvana added that upon initial inspection, officers detected large quantities of tobacco products concealed within the truck. “The documentation presented by the driver appeared inconsistent, prompting the immediate involvement of Customs officials for verification.
The examination revealed a significant consignment of Caesar Gold and 777 cigarettes. An estimated 300 master cases, with a preliminary value of approximately R4.5 million, were seized and secured pending formal customs verification.
The following day, 26 November 2025, officials from the South African Revenue Service (Customs), assisted by members of the Hawks, commenced the detailed counting, verification, and processing of the seized consignment in the presence of the driver. “Upon conclusion of the verification procedure, the cigarettes were formally handed over to East London Customs to pursue further legislative and regulatory investigations,” he said
A case docket was opened for intensive investigation. “Investigators will pursue all leads relating to the origin, intended distribution, and possible organised networks implicated in the illicit trade of tobacco products,” Mhlakuvana concluded.
