SA: Zimbabwean man nabbed with illicit cigarettes worth R850 000

By Agencies

SA: Gordon Sibanda (42), a Zimbabwean national, is this week expected to make a second appearance before the Leeudoringstad Periodical Court, for bail application.

Sibanda is facing a charge of illegal possession of illicit cigarettes.

North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said Sibanda was arrested last Monday after the truck he was driving was stopped and searched by the police at the Leeudoringstad/Orkney road.

Mokgwabone said the police allegedly found to be transporting 169 boxes of Chief and Remington cigarettes, all with an estimated value of R850,000.

“The accused was immediately arrested and both the truck and the illicit cigarettes were confiscated by the police,” he said.

Meanwhile, the acting North West Police Commissioner, Major General Patrick Asaneng said this arrest is yet another breakthrough in the fight against the threat of illicit economy.

He said the challenge impedes economic growth and violates the territorial security of the Republic of South Africa (RSA), where illicit goods are smuggled, distributed and sold in violation of customs, tax, health, safety and economic laws of South Africa.

Asaneng said it is deeply concerning that the accused and his illicit cargo were only intercepted far away from the Port of Entry, where he should have been thoroughly checked and processed.

“The  Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) must thoroughly investigate how the accused managed to enter the country with these cigarettes, which should have been detected at the border.

“If it should be found that he was either aided by corrupt officials or that there was negligent dereliction of duty, the culprits must be held to account,” he concluded.