Driver bust at the border trying to smuggle skin lightening creams into South Africa

South African authorities have arrested a 46-year-old Zimbabwean national, Matthews Ncube, for attempting to smuggle a large quantity of skin lightening beauty cream into the country.

Ncube was apprehended on Tuesday at the Groblersburg border post during a routine inspection of his vehicle.

Police discovered numerous containers of beauty cream concealed within the cargo area, which had just crossed the border from Botswana.

The confiscated contraband, valued at approximately R126,000, was suspected to be intended for illegal distribution within South Africa.

Ncube has been charged with smuggling and contravention of customs regulations.

He appeared in the Lephalale Magistrate’s Court on Thursday and has been remanded in custody until June 6 for his bail application.

Limpopo Police Spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba confirmed the arrest and confiscation.

He stated that the suspect’s preliminary investigations indicated that the creams were intended for illegal distribution.

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