Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya
Beitbridge Bureau
THE Giyani Commercial Crime Court has sentenced two Zimbabwean men to an effective five years in jail each after they were arrested in possession of smuggled cigarettes worth R180 000 in Limpopo province, South Africa.
The smuggling of cigarettes from Zimbabwe into South Africa through illegal crossing points along the Limpopo River is rife.
It is understood that 30 percent of cigarettes in South Africa are from Zimbabwe, including Pacific, Remington Gold (RG), Mega, Dullahs, Branson and Servilles.
Ideally, a box of cigarettes is bought at US$120 from local producers and sold for between US$250 and US$300 to the syndicates, who then smuggle them into South Africa, where they sell for anything above R15 000.
Those who illegally transport the commodity across borders are paid between R100 and R300 per box and in most cases, this is done under the cover of darkness.
Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malasela Ledwaba said Thabani Sibanda (32) and Nkululeko Ncube (49) were arrested on December 1 in the Tzaneen policing area while travelling in two vehicles from Musina with the contraband.
He said Sibanda was found guilty and sentenced to five years imprisonment or a fine amounting to R300 000 while Ncube was found guilty and handed five years imprisonment or a fine of R100 000.
“Furthermore, both motor vehicles were forfeited to the State and the accused were also declared unfit to possess a firearm,” he said.
On December 1, police received a tip-off about smuggled cigarettes that were being transported by two white Toyota Corollas from Musina and destined to the Tzaneen policing area under Mopani District.
Col Ledwaba said the Limpopo Tracking Team collaborated with two Security companies and traced the two vehicles, which they positively spotted driving along R36 highway.
He said when the police attempted to stop the two vehicles, Sibanda and Ncube sped off towards the Tzaneen industrial area.
“A car chase ensued until both vehicles were intercepted next to a filling station and found fully loaded with illicit cigarettes of the Remington Gold brand,” said Col Ledwaba.
“The two men were arrested on the spot for possession of illicit cigarettes estimated to the street value of R180 000,00 and the matter was immediately transferred to the Limpopo Provincial Investigations Unit and assigned to Sergeant Chuene Mokwele for further Investigations.
“While busy with the investigations, Sergeant Mokwele further discovered that Nkululeko Ncube was an illegal immigrant and was also charged with Contravention of Immigration Act,” he said.
The two men made their first appearance before Tzaneen Magistrate’s Court on December 2 and the case was postponed to December 9 for plea at the Giyani Commercial Crime Court, where they were both found guilty and sentenced.
