By: Kaya 959 News
Nine people were arrested after police recovered R6.6 million worth of counterfeit cigarettes in a raid in Vereeniging at the weekend.
Police received a tip-off about suspicious activity at a plot in Kliprivier and responded to the scene.
“Upon the arrival at the said premises, nine suspects were found offloading counterfeit cigarettes from a big truck into smaller trucks,” said Gauteng police spokesperson, Colonel Dimakatso Sello.
Sello said the value of the cigarettes is estimated at a street value of approximately R6.6 million. The case will be handed to the Hawks for further investigation.
READ:R17.4 million worth of illegal cigarettes “go up in smoke”
Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela commended the members for their swift response and also thanked the public for their continuous support in the fight against crime.
In a separate matter, three men were shot dead and two illegal firearms recovered following a shootout in Duduza.
Captain Kay Makhubele said police received a complaint about a shooting in progress at the Ishaak Butchery.
Makhubele said police arrived at the scene to find three suspects lying on the pavement. All had sustained gunshot wounds.
“It is alleged that four suspects assaulted the manager before fleeing the scene with an undisclosed amount of cash,” he said.
Makhubele said a shootout ensued between the suspects and security guards and in the process, three suspects were fatally wounded while two security guards were seriously injured and taken to hospital. One of the security guards later died in hospital.
Police are investigating a case of murder, attempted murder, business robbery and possession of unlicensed firearms. One suspect is still at large.
READ: Gauteng ranks in top 3 for illicit cigarette trade
Police request anyone who may have information about this incident to please contact the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or alternatively they can leave anonymous tip offs on MySAPSApp.
The App can be downloaded on any smartphone. All information received will be treated as strictly confidential.
Image courtesy of Pexels/ @Basil



