Man jailed for possession of Illicit cigarettes worth R5 Million

News South Africa

Tebogo Msimanga |

The Zeerust Magistrate’s Court in North West Province convicted Tony Kenanao Shamu (30) on Friday for possession of illicit cigarettes.

Shamu was arrested at the Kopfontein border post in November 2020 after he was found in possession of 500 master cases containing various brands of illicit cigarettes worth approximately R5 million.

Captain Tlangelani Rikhotso said the matter was thoroughly investigated by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation. “The accused made a series of court appearances until he entered into a plea agreement. He was sentenced to a fine of  R30 000 or ten months imprisonment. Additionally, he was sentenced to twelve months imprisonment which was wholly suspended for five years.”

Rikhotso added that the cigarettes were declared as condemned and forfeited to the state.

His co-accused will appear before the Zeerust Magistrate’s court on 21 May 2021 for trial.

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