NPA
Seven soldiers made their first appearance in the Musina Magistrates Court in Limpopo Province on Wednesday following their arrest on charges of fraud.
They allegedly conspired with vehicle smuggling syndicates to smuggle stolen vehicles across the Limpopo River in exchange for money.
The soldiers would allegedly charge R15 000 per vehicle and would share the money amongst themselves.
Three of the soldiers who appeared in court on Wednesday are from the Eastern Cape.
NPA spokesperson Mashudu Malabi- Dzhangi says they are 29-year-old Bulelani Danti from Qonce, Ludwe Gwedashe from Gqeberha and 31-year-old Thembani Mjelo from East London.
The other soldiers are the 49-year-old Rapula Reuben Maidi from Ikageng, 48-year-old Edward Lepokola from Sebokeng, 49-year-old Marks Funeka from Carletonville and the 51-year-old Peter Thato Namane from Soshanguve.
The SANDF soldiers have the military rank of either Lance-Corporal or Private and were stationed at the Beitbridge Border Post from 2017 to 2019.
The seven were arrested in an undercover operation involving the Hawks and the military police.
The soldiers will remain in custody until their next court appearance on the 28th of June when they are expected to apply for bail.
