Five South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members have been released on bail following their arrest for alleged involvement in a cigarette smuggling operation.1 The soldiers, along with two undocumented Zimbabwean nationals, appeared before the Musina Magistrate's Court on charges including possession of illicit cigarettes, possession of ammunition, and defeating the ends of justice.
Smuggling Operation and Arrests
The arrests on September 16, 2025, stemmed from an unauthorized operation at the Artonvilla military base in Musina.2 According to Rear Admiral Prince Tshabalala, an SANDF spokesperson, a group of soldiers allegedly intercepted smugglers transporting illicit cigarettes. During the operation, shots were fired and goods were seized.3
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), represented by regional spokesperson Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi, stated that the soldiers allegedly intercepted 24 master boxes of Remington Gold cigarettes, valued at an estimated R300,000. However, they only declared 18 boxes to the SA Revenue Service Customs. The remaining six boxes were later found hidden under their beds after police were alerted to the discrepancy.
"Police were alerted to the discrepancy and, upon searching the premises, found six master boxes of Remington Gold cigarettes concealed under the SANDF members’ beds. Two civilians were also discovered hiding at the base. The accused were immediately arrested," said Malabi-Dzhangi.
The five soldiers granted R5,000 bail each are Macdonald Tshabadira (28), Waydon Peterson (29), Khuliso Tshivhenga (42), Khodani Abel Maphukhumela (29), and Evah Mmaphuthi Modisa (39). Their two co-accused, Zimbabwean nationals Livhuwani Mutavhatsindi (27) and Perfious Chauke (27), were found hiding at the base and were remanded in custody without bail. They also face charges under the Immigration Act.
Official Response
The SANDF has confirmed that the operation was unauthorized and has reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on corruption. Preliminary reports from the SANDF indicate the members were "acting in concert with two Zimbabwean nationals" to unlawfully intercept the smugglers.
The case has been adjourned until November 14, 2025, for further investigation. The SANDF has stated that internal disciplinary processes will run concurrently with the criminal proceedings.
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