Two men who were selling cigarettes which have been banned during lockdown have been arrested in Shallcross in Kwazulu Natal.
Police said the pair had 450 packets of cigarettes and a large sum of cash was seized.
The suspects, aged 25 and 30 allegedly offered one of the police officers a bribe of R10 000 to let them go.
The officer refused the bribe and arrested both suspects.
They will appear before the Chatsworth Magistrates Court soon on charges of bribery and contravening the Disaster Management Act.
Meanwhile, the Fair-trade Independent Tobacco Association (FITA) which represents 80% of legitimate and licensed cigarette manufactures in Southern Africa urged the Government to reconsider the ban on the sale of non-essential goods such as cigarettes.
FITA said the current ban is a setback for the previous efforts of the industry and government to combat illicit trade.
They say the current situation will only help to strengthen the networks and resources of criminals.
