3 Zimbabweans fined R1.7m for illicit tobacco in Musina
Three Zimbabwean nationals have been fined a combined R1.7m for an illicit tobacco consignment valued at over R4.5m.
LIMPOPO – Three Zimbabwean nationals have been fined a combined R1.7m after being convicted over an illicit tobacco consignment valued at more than R4.5M.
The trio were arrested on September 25, 2024, during a joint Operation Vala Umgodi operation involving the South African National Defence Force and Saps in Musina.
Tobacco found in truck
Authorities searched a truck and found 500 master boxes and 12 cartons containing assorted Hubbly Bubbly tobacco products. The consignment could not be properly accounted for or declared.
Sars assessed the tobacco at R4 571 872.50.
Hawks investigate, court convicts
The case was subsequently investigated by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team in Musina and brought before the Musina Regional Court.
On Wednesday, September 9, the court convicted all three men of contravening the Customs and Excise Act.
Fines handed down
| Accused | Fine |
|---|---|
| Wesley Chikombe | R705 000 |
| Stephen Nkandla | R500 000 |
| Nyere Oswell | R500 000 |
Imprisonment was imposed as an alternative to the fines.
The court also ordered that the illicit tobacco and vehicle used to transport the consignment be forfeited to the State.
All three men were declared unfit to possess a firearm licence in terms of the Firearms Control Act.
Limpopo DPCI head Major General Govender commended the Hawks’ Musina team for pursuing the case through to conviction.
“A seizure disrupts an illicit operation, but a conviction delivers the consequence that follows unlawful conduct,” said Govender.
He also acknowledged the role of the SANDF, Saps and Sars in the investigation and prosecution.
