Seven charged with contravening lockdown rules after Lyttelton cigarette bust
The seven men appeared in the Pretoria magistrate’s court on Thursday on charges of contravening the disaster management act.
Seven men were charged with contravening the disaster management act after they were arrested for selling cigarettes this week.
The seven were among ten people arrested in Lyttelton after the Tshwane metro police department (TMPD) seized cigarettes valued at over R1-million.
The men, Mohamed Bushiri, Mojaju Isam, Ahmed Samim, Osman Gori, MD Nahid, Sanoar Hossain and Derrick Sithole appeared in the Pretoria magistrate’s court on Thursday, according to NPA regional spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane.
“Samim faces an additional charge of corruption,” Mjonondwane said.
“All accused remain in custody and are expected back in court on Thursday 23 April, for a formal bail hearing.”
Their arrest came after officers found a man loitering in the streets of the suburb, reportedly unable to account for why he was there.
“He was searched and the officers found four packets of cigarettes on him,” TMPD spokesperson Senior Superintendent Isaac Mahamba said.
After further questioning, the man led the police officers to the flat where he bought the cigarettes.
Mahamba said “many” boxes of cigarettes were discovered when officers searched the flat.
“The cigarettes found have an estimated street value of more than R1.5-million.”
A cash amount of R325 000 was also seized.
A man was also charged with bribery after offering R3 000 to the officers.
ALSO READ: Ten arrested in major Centurion cigarette bust
Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites:
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
