By Delicious Mathuthu
Polokwane, Limpopo – The Polokwane Regional Court has sentenced a 45-year-old Zimbabwean national to seven years in prison for possession and transportation of illicit cigarettes.
In a statement on Tuesday 10 September 2024, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba from the South African Police Service (SAPS) said the Zimbabwean, identified as Sidalokuhle Ncube, was arrested on June 30, 2024, after police officers stopped him while driving a silver Toyota Corolla with Gauteng registration numbers on the R81 near a filling station out of suspicion.
A search of the vehicle revealed 85 cartons of Remington Gold cigarettes, Colonel Ledwaba said, leading to Ncube’s arrest and confiscation of the vehicle and cigarettes.
The Limpopo Provincial Organized Crime Investigation Unit took over the investigation, resulting in Ncube’s successful conviction for contravening the South African Revenue Service Act, Income Tax Act, Value Added Tax Act, and Customs and Excise Act.
He was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment for possession of illicit cigarettes and an additional two years for contravening the Immigration Act.
“Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, welcomed the sentencing, stating it would serve as a deterrent to other criminals involved in smuggling syndicates,” said Colonel Ledwaba.
