Eight serving members of the South Africa National Defence Force (SANDF) have been arrested for allegedly smuggling vehicles into Zimbabwe.
The first seven soldiers were arrested in the Free State, Northern Cape and North West on 21 June during a sting operation involving the Hawks, the National Intervention Unit and SANDF members.
The accused are Rapula Reuben Maidi, 49, from Ikageng; Edward Lepokola, 48, from Sebokeng; Bulelani Danti, 29, from Qonce; Ludwe Gwedashe from Gqeberha; Thembani Mjelo, 31, from East London; Marks Funeka, 49, from Carletonville; and Peter Thato Namane, 51, from Soshanguve.
The eighth soldier was nabbed on Wednesday in the Northern Cape, Hawks spokesperson Captain Matimba Maluleke said.
It is alleged that the accused accepted bribes to allow stolen vehicles to cross the border to Zimbabwe. Said Maluleke:
The accused were deployed at the Beitbridge border post to defend and protect the territorial integrity of the Republic of South Africa between 2017 and 2019.
It is alleged that during their deployment period, they connived with vehicle-smuggling syndicates to smuggle stolen vehicles through the Limpopo River in exchange for money.
It is further alleged that the suspects would demand R15 000 per vehicle that would be shared among themselves.
The eighth soldier, Valentine Sedimosang Phetoe (30), who holds the rank of private appeared in the Musina Magistrate’s Court on Thursday. He was granted R3 000 bail.