SAPS Finds R1.1 Million Hidden in Shoe Boxes in Ford Ranger Raptor on N3, Three Men Arrested
- The Gauteng Counter-Intelligence Operations stopped a Ford Ranger Raptor on the N3 near Tugela Plaza
- The 42-year-old driver was found with a large sum of money, which he could not explain how he obtained
- South Africans weighed in on the arrests, with some likening it to President Cyril Ramaphosa's own hidden cash
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Source: Getty Images
Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.
GAUTENG - Three suspects are facing charges of money laundering and corruption after the South African Police Service uncovered more than R1.1 million concealed in a vehicle during a routine follow-up operation on the N3 highway.
The arrests were made by the Gauteng Counter Intelligence Operations (GCI-OPS) on Friday, 14 August 2026. The men were arrested near the Tugela Plaza on the N3.
R1.1 million discovered in shoe boxes
Officers had received information that a suspect was transporting drugs when they stopped a Ford Ranger Raptor near the Tugela Plaza on the N3. A search of the vehicle revealed R1.1 million in cash packed inside shoe boxes. The 42-year-old driver could not provide a satisfactory explanation for the origin of the money.
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Police seized the Ford Ranger Raptor, a privately licensed firearm, a cellphone and a laptop as part of the ongoing investigation.
Bribe attempt leads to two further arrests
During questioning, the suspect allegedly tried to bribe the investigating officer. GCI-OPS responded by activating an entrapment operation, which led to the arrest of two additional individuals who allegedly offered police R200,000 in exchange for the suspect's release. That money was also seized, and the pair's VW Amarok was confiscated.
The two suspects arrested during the entrapment operation appeared before the Alexandra Magistrate's Court on 14 August 2026. The 42-year-old suspect is expected to appear before the Ladysmith Magistrate's Court separately.
How did South Africans react?
@mbuyu072 said:
“Everybody found with large sums of unexplained money is being arrested, but Ramaphosa was found with millions of undeclared US dollars but was let off the hook. South Africa is an animal farm where some animals are more equal than others.
@Einjeth_ stated:
“Some people just don't learn. Police are under scrutiny. Therefore, they are super careful these days.”
@MsKMP2 added:
"No amount of money will deter the SAPS from pursuing criminals. SAPS is under serious scrutiny! Bona boJulius Mkhwanazi (in & out of jail now).”
@smallmatsogo claimed:
“It was a drugs exchange.”
@ignis_fatui said:
"Shoe boxes? Amateur. We all know you need a couch to hide money and get away with it."
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Source: Briefly News
