truck illicit cigarettes

A driver died when he lost control of a truck and it overturned. Images: SAPS.

Driver transporting illicit cigarettes overturns truck and dies

A truck driver transporting illicit cigarettes died on scene and the passenger he was with was allegedly kidnapped by armed suspects.

truck illicit cigarettes

A driver died when he lost control of a truck and it overturned. Images: SAPS.

A truck driver transporting fully loaded boxes of illicit cigarettes reportedly lost control, overturned, and died between Marble Hall and Elandskraal in Limpopo on Thursday, 2 February. 

Police were alerted about the accident by a motorist driving behind the 12-tone truck travelling from Marble hall towards Elandskraal when its driver suddenly lost control and overturned.

TRUCK CARRYING ILLICIT CIGARETTES OVERTURNS 

South African Police Services (SAPS) spokesperson in Limpopo, Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo, said the initial probe conducted at the scene indicated that the motorist who reported the incident stopped to assist the driver who was trapped inside the cabin and the critically injured passenger. 

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Mojapelo said a further probe revealed that while police and medical emergency services were on their way to the scene, unknown suspects driving in a sedan motor vehicle arrived and pointed the good samaritan with firearms.

“The suspects then forcibly removed the critically injured passenger from the truck, put him into their vehicle, and sped off. The truck driver, whose identity is unknown, was certified dead on the scene by the paramedics. Police confiscated about 300 boxes containing illicit cigarettes.” the police spokesperson said.

truck illicit cigarettes
The overturned truck. Image: SAPS.

Police opened a case of culpable homicide and possession of illicit cigarettes, and the search for the armed suspects who whisked the injured passenger continues.

Police have urged anyone with information about the whereabouts of these suspects should urgently contact the police on the toll-free crime stop number 0860010111 or contact the nearest police station or use the MySAPS app.

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