Three people have been arrested after police discovered more than R1.1 million in cash hidden inside shoe boxes in a Ford Ranger Raptor on the N3 near Tugela Plaza in KwaZulu-Natal.
The arrests followed an intelligence-led operation by the South African Police Service’s Gauteng Counter Intelligence Operations (GCI-OPS), after officers received information that a 42-year-old man was allegedly transporting drugs.
Police stopped and searched the vehicle but did not find any drugs. Instead, they allegedly discovered more than R1.1 million in cash concealed inside shoe boxes.
The man was reportedly unable to provide police with a satisfactory explanation for the source of the money.
SAPS national spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the vehicle and several other items were seized as the investigation continued.
“Police seized the Ford Ranger Raptor, a privately licensed firearm, a cellphone and a laptop for further investigation,” Mathe said.
The investigation took another turn when the suspect allegedly attempted to bribe the investigating officer.
Police then activated an entrapment operation, which resulted in the arrest of two additional suspects who allegedly attempted to offer officers R200,000 in exchange for interfering with the investigation.
The R200,000 was seized and a Volkswagen Amarok belonging to the suspects was also confiscated.
The suspects are facing allegations including money laundering and corruption.
Mathe said the arrests demonstrated that police officers would not be allowed to be intimidated or compromised.
“Police officers will not be intimidated, compromised or bought. Attempts to bribe members of the SAPS will be met with decisive action and will result in criminal charges,” she said.
She said the operation also highlighted the importance of intelligence-led policing in tackling organised crime and corruption.
“GCI-OPS will continue to pursue individuals involved in the movement of illicit proceeds and attempts to undermine law enforcement through corruption,” Mathe said.
She added that police would remain focused on protecting investigations from interference.
“No amount of money will deter the SAPS from pursuing criminals or corrupt individuals who seek to interfere with police investigations,” she said.
The 42-year-old suspect is expected to appear in the Ladysmith Magistrate’s Court, while the two suspects arrested during the entrapment operation appeared in the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
Police investigations are continuing, including efforts to establish the source of the more than R1.1 million found in the vehicle and the circumstances surrounding the alleged bribery attempts.
