Illicit cigarettes
The Giyani Specialized Commercial Crimes Court has sentenced Zimbabwean national Reward Gondza (35) to either a fine of R700,000 or five years of direct imprisonment for possession of illicit cigarettes.
Gondza was convicted on a charge of possession of illicit cigarettes, which carries significant implications for both public health and the economy.
In court, Gondza pleaded guilty to the offence, explaining that on 14 April 2024, while driving an Isuzu truck on the R36 road near Ohrigstad, he was stopped by police officers who requested to search the vehicle.
During the search, they uncovered 139 master boxes and 25 cartons of Remington Gold cigarettes, valued at over R2 million, resulting in his immediate arrest.
State Advocate Sewela Mphasha, in aggravating the sentence, highlighted the detrimental impact that the sale of these illicit cigarettes has on the South African economy, which is already facing numerous challenges.
Mphasha emphasized that the smuggling of these products undermines tax revenue and regulatory frameworks, as the sellers evade both taxes and duties. Additionally, Advocate Mphasha applied for the forfeiture of the seized cigarettes and the vehicle used in the commission of this offence, a request that was granted by the court.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the sentence, recognising its importance as a deterrent for potential offenders involved in similar illicit activities. The Director of Public Prosecutions, Adv. Ivy Thenga, commended the diligent work of Advocate Mphasha and Investigating Officer Constable Letsoalo from Limpopo Provincial Organized Crimes, noting that their efforts contribute significantly to combatting organised crime and ensuring justice. The NPA remains committed to enforcing laws designed to protect the economy and public welfare in South Africa and will continue to prioritise the prosecution of such serious offences.