Zimbabwean Man Sentenced for Smuggling R29M Worth of Cigarettes into South Africa
A 43-year-old Zimbabwean man, Joseph Kusekwa, has been convicted for attempting to smuggle cigarette packs worth R29 million into South Africa.
He was sentenced by the Lehurutshe Regional Court in the North West to either a two-year prison term or a fine of R40,000.
Also Read: Four Zimbabweans Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Murder and Robbery in South Africa
Arrest at Skilpadshek Border
According to Sunday World, Kusekwa was apprehended in July 2023 when officials at the Skilpadshek port of entry stopped and searched his truck.
Upon his approval of the search, authorities discovered 1,119 cases of Derby cigarettes concealed in the vehicle.
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) customs officers confirmed that the goods had not been declared in compliance with the Customs and Excise Act 91 of 1964.
A SARS official stated that while the cigarettes complied with the Tobacco Product Control Act, Kusekwa failed to properly declare them, making his actions illegal. The court heard that had the cigarettes been legally imported, R29 million in duties would have been payable.
Court Ruling and Sentencing
Kusekwa pleaded guilty under a Section 105A Plea and Sentence Agreement. In addition to his sentence, he received a suspended fine of R20,000 for five years, meaning he will not serve additional time if he does not violate the Customs and Excise Act within this period.
During sentencing, state prosecutor Advocate Cain Nontenjwa highlighted the impact of illegal cigarette smuggling on the legal market. He argued that illegal trade in goods has a detrimental effect on the legal cigarette market and causes large tax losses.
Social Media Reacts
The revelation has triggered wave of criticism and frustration from South Africans.
Here are some reactions;
@Nokwanda Khumalo;
Ay SA is a playground for foreigners
@Tau Tau;
That person has caused us to be 0.5% poorer
@Nothie Silongwe;
Where do they get these illicit cigarettes?
@Senzo Bojela;
These Zimbabweans are killing the economy