Two Zimbabwean Men Sentenced to Five Years for R8 Million Illicit Tobacco Possession
SOUTH AFRICA – Two Zimbabwean nationals, Samuel Nkomo (38) and Josephat Mawire (46), were handed five-year prison sentences after being convicted of possessing illegal goods worth R8 million.
According to New Zimbabwe, the ruling was delivered by the Polokwane Specialised Commercial Crimes Court.
This report was also confirmed by LOL and Sowetan Live.
The case stemmed from an incident on September 11, 2024, when officers from the Capricorn Flying Squad conducted a stop-and-search operation along the R521 (Dendron Road).
During the operation, police intercepted a white Rigid Man Truck, which was found to contain 908 boxes of Adalya Premium Hookah Tobacco, wrapped in plastic.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the tobacco, believed to have originated from Turkey, lacked valid importation documentation.
Verification processes confirmed that the SAD 500 form and invoice provided by the suspects were fraudulent and unregistered in the South African Revenue Service (SARS) system.
During the court trial, both Nkomo and Mawire pleaded guilty to the charges.
Advocate Ivy Thenga, Director of Public Prosecutions, welcomed the outcome, praising both the investigators and legal team involved in securing the conviction.
“This sentence delivers a clear warning to individuals engaging in illegal trade. I commend the work of Advocates Phumudzo Mudau and Tebogo Mothapo, as well as Sergeant Mmametse Sophina Lehodi from the Hawks for their dedication,” Thenga stated.
