Four men who were allegedly selling cigarettes in contravention of lockdown regulations were smoked out by members of the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) in Onderstepoort, Pretoria, on Thursday.
The TMPD officers responded to a complaint that the shop was selling cigarettes in the area. On arrival, they found four men allegedly operating a shop without a permit and selling cigarettes.
Boxes of cigarettes valued at an estimated R55 000 were found. About R20 000 in cash was also confiscated.
The four men, aged between 20 and 35, were arrested for contravening lockdown regulations.
They are expected to appear in court soon.
The sale of cigarettes is prohibited in terms of lockdown regulations.
On Thursday, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a gradual easing of lockdown regulations in phases.
In terms of this, the selling of cigarettes will again resume on 1 May, when Phase 4 of the regulations kicks in.
Until then, it remains illegal to sell tobacco products.
Four men were arrested by the TMPD for allegedly selling cigarettes illegally. (Supplied by TMPD)
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