SA: Zimbabwean in court for smuggling illicit cigarettes worth R12m

By Sunday World SA

A 44-year-old Zimbabwean is due in the Lehurutshe magistrate’s court on Monday after he was nabbed trying to smuggle illicit cigarettes worth R12-million.

The foreign national, who is working as a truck driver, was arrested by the anti-corruption investigating unit in North West on Sunday. He was driving from Botswana.

Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Amanda Funani said: “The suspect entered South Africa at Skilpadhek port of entry at about 6.40pm during loadshedding.

“Trucks are not allowed to enter or leave the country through the ports of entry during loadshedding, because computers are offline.

“It is alleged that a police official, who was patrolling along the border, saw the truck driving towards Zeerust.

“Reports suggests that the official informed his commander and the truck was chased and stopped before it reached Zeerust, and the driver was ordered to drive back to Skilpadhek.

“SARS [SA Revenue Service] and customs members were requested to inspect the truck and boxes of cigarettes valued at R12 868 509, which the driver failed to declare at customs, were discovered.”

Funani said the driver was arrested and charged with possession of illicit cigarettes.

The official who allowed the truck into South Africa is also being investigated and could face charges of defeating the ends of justice.

North West police commissioner Lieutenant-General Sello Kwena lauded the provincial anti-corruption investigating unit for a sterling job.

“Corrupt police officers will not be tolerated, they will face the full might of the law,” said the provincial police commissioner.

The police commissioner also congratulated the police official at the border who raised the alarm leading to the chase and the arrest of the truck driver.

The case has been handed over to the Hawks in North West for investigation.