Man arrested with R1.1 million in cash hidden in shoe boxes in Ford Raptor in KZN

A 42-year-old man was arrested after police allegedly discovered more than R1.1 million hidden inside shoe boxes in his Ford Ranger Raptor on the N3 near Tugela Plaza in KwaZulu-Natal.

A 42-year-old man was arrested after police allegedly discovered more than R1.1 million hidden inside shoe boxes in his Ford Ranger Raptor on the N3 near Tugela Plaza in KwaZulu-Natal.

SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the operation was carried out by Gauteng Counter Intelligence Operations (GCI-OPS).

According to Mathe, officers had been following up on information that the 42-year-old suspect was transporting drugs when they stopped and searched his vehicle. Although no drugs were recovered, police found more than R1.1 million in cash concealed inside shoe boxes.

Police said the suspect could not provide a satisfactory explanation for the source of the money.

"Police seized the Ford Ranger Raptor, a privately licensed firearm, a cellphone and a laptop for further investigation," said Mathe.

The investigation took a further turn during the suspect's interrogation when he allegedly attempted to bribe the investigating officer.

Mathe said officers immediately launched an entrapment operation, which led to the arrest of two additional suspects who allegedly tried to offer police R200,000 in exchange for interfering with the investigation.

The R200,000 was seized and the suspects' Volkswagen Amarok was also confiscated.

The 42-year-old suspect is expected to appear in the Ladysmith Magistrate's Court, while the two suspects arrested during the sting operation appeared in the Alexandra Magistrate's Court on Friday, August 14, 2026.

Mathe said the operation demonstrated the police's commitment to tackling financial crime and resisting corruption.

"Attempts to bribe members of the SAPS will be met with decisive action and will result in criminal charges."