Key Points
- Two Zimbabwean men were sentenced to five years for smuggling R8 million worth of illicit tobacco.
- They were caught during a routine police stop on the R521 (Dendron Road).
- Authorities found fraudulent importation documents, leading to their conviction.
Two Zimbabwean nationals, Samuel Nkomo, 38, and Josephat Mawire, 46, will serve five years in prison for smuggling illicit tobacco worth R8 million ($420,000).
The Polokwane Specialised Commercial Crimes Court issued the sentence after both men admitted guilt.
Police intercept smuggled tobacco
On September 11, 2024, officers from the Capricorn Flying Squad stopped a white Rigid Man Truck during a routine check on the R521 (Dendron Road).
Inside, they found 908 boxes of Adalya Premium Hookah Tobacco wrapped in plastic.
Authorities linked the shipment to Turkey. However, the accused failed to provide valid import documents.
Further checks revealed that the SAD 500 form and invoice they presented were fraudulent and did not appear in the South African Revenue Service (SARS) system.
Court delivers a strong message
National Prosecution Authority spokesperson Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi confirmed that both men pleaded guilty and faced conviction.
Advocate Phumudzo Mudau pushed for a tough penalty, stressing the severity of the crime.
He pointed out that tobacco smuggling is widespread in the region and argued that the high value of the goods required a firm legal response.
The court ruled in favor of a custodial sentence, sentencing both men to five years in prison.
Legal authorities commend the verdict
Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Ivy Thenga, welcomed the ruling, calling it a clear warning against illicit trade.
“This judgment reinforces the importance of strict penalties for illegal trading. It highlights our commitment to fighting economic crimes,” Thenga said.
She also praised Advocates Phumudzo Mudau and Tebogo Mothapo, along with investigating officer Sergeant Mmametse Sophina Lehodi from the Hawks, for securing the conviction.
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