A Zimbabwean man, Joseph Kuselwa (44), was detained after being arrested at Skilpadhoek Port of Entry in South Africa on charges of allegedly attempting
to smuggle illicit cigarettes valued at more than R12 million. His case was brought before the Lehurutshe Magistrate's Court, and the hearing was adjourned until July 27 to allow for a formal bail application.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Amanda Funani, the North West police Spokesperson, Kuselwa was apprehended during load shedding while attempting to enter South Africa through Skilpadhoek Port of Entry around 6:40am. An alert police officer patrolling the border reportedly spotted the truck departing from the entry point and heading toward Zeerust.
The officer promptly reported the incident to a superior, as trucks are not permitted to enter or leave the country during load shedding due to offline computer systems at the ports of entry. Consequently, the truck was intercepted and halted before reaching Zeerust. The driver was then instructed to
turn back and return to Skilpadhek Port of Entry for further inspection.
The subsequent examination by the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and Customs officials revealed concealed boxes of cigarettes in the truck, which Kuselwa had failed to declare at customs. The North West Provincial Anti-Corruption Investigating Unit (ACIU) took Kuselwa into custody on charges
of attempting to smuggle illicit cigarettes valued at over R12 million. Considering the circumstances, authorities are investigating the police officer who allowed the truck to leave the border, and will face charges of defeating the ends of justice if the inquiry concludes as such.
Lt-Col Funani provided additional information, stating that the total estimated value of the illicit cigarettes seized from the Zimbabwean national amounted to R12 868 509.00. The police incident serves as a reminder of the on-going efforts by law enforcement to combat smuggling activities. It highlights the measures to prevent illicit goods from entering or leaving the country through the ports of entry.
The illicit trade in tobacco, particularly cigarettes, costs South Africa's economy billions of rand annually in lost tax revenue. SARS
reported an estimated R6 billion loss for the 2015/16 fiscal year due to illegal cigarette trading. The evasion of excise duties deprives the country of funds that could have been directed toward essential public services and development projects. Additionally, the prevalence of illicit cigarettes weakens the legal tobacco industry, resulting in diminished investments, job cuts, and reduced economic growth.
SARS stresses the urgency of implementing stringent enforcement measures to combat this illicit trade and safeguard the economy from further damage.
