Overview
- Five SANDF members appeared in the Musina Magistrate’s Court on Thursday and were released on R5,000 bail each, while two Zimbabwean co-accused were remanded in custody.
- The group now faces charges that include possession of illicit cigarettes, possession of ammunition and defeating the ends of justice, with the two foreign nationals also charged under immigration law.
- Authorities say the case stems from an alleged unauthorised operation at the Artonvilla (Sediba sa Tlou) base in Musina, where shots were reportedly fired during an attempt to intercept smugglers.
- Investigators recovered six hidden boxes of illicit cigarettes inside the base in addition to 18 boxes handed to SARS, totaling 24 boxes allegedly abandoned by smugglers.
- The SANDF says internal disciplinary proceedings will run alongside the criminal case and it is cooperating with SAPS, Military Police, Military Intelligence and SARS.