Cornelis Hendrik Maritz (58) was convicted and sentenced by the Middelburg Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Monday for contravening the Customs and Excise Act 91 of 1964.

In June 2020, Maritz intentionally and unlawfully transported liquor valued at R1 525 715 from Germiston to Ermelo without the necessary documentation from the South African Revenue Service.

Maritz was sentenced to serve four years’ imprisonment or pay a fine of R100 000, of which R50 000 was suspended for five years on condition that he does not commit similar offences during the period of suspension.

His co-accused, who was out on bail, was expected to appear in court yesterday, depending on the availability of a Chinese interpreter.