Muhammad Usman (35) and Joseph Sediso Sherige (48) were found guilty and sentenced by Nelspruit Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Friday, 01 September 2023 for Contravening Section 83(a) of the Customs and Excise Act, Act 91 of 1964.
It is alleged that during July 2023, Customs and Excise inspectors were conducting inspections around Barberton shops when they uncovered illicit cigarettes from a café and supermarket respectively. The matter was referred to the Hawks Nelspruit based Serious Commercial Crime investigation by the Customs and Excise for further probe. During investigation, a large amount of illicit cigarettes was discovered.
The court was notified and a search and seizure warrant was authorised which was executed on 13 July 2023. During the search, illicit cigarettes, Remington Gold Blue with estimated street value of R12 223.12, were found and seized at “Wazi Supermarket ” in Barberton and Muhammad Usman was arrested for selling, distributing and dealing in Remington Gold Blue illicit cigarettes. Investigation was finalised and the case was brought to court for decision. Muhammad was convicted and sentenced to R 25 000.00 fine or 12 months imprisonment of which half is suspended for five (5) years on condition that accused not be convicted of contravening Section 83(a) of the Customs & Excise Act, Act 91 of 1964 which is committed in the period of suspension.
Illicit goods forfeited to the State.
Meanwhile Joseph Sediso Sherige (48) was also arrested for the same offence. During the search, illicit cigarettes, being a Remington Gold Blue with estimated street value of R 6 284.98 were found and seized at “Funchal Café” in Barberton. Investigation was finalised and the case was brought to court for decision. He was also sentenced to R 10 000.00 fine or 12 months imprisonment of which half is suspended for five (5) years on condition that accused not be convicted of contravening Section 83 (a) of the Customs & Excise Act, Act 91 of 1964 which is committed during the period of suspension.
Illicit goods were forfeited to the State.
“The Acting –Provincial Head of the Hawks, Brigadier Gregory Gaillard applauded the investigating officers and the prosecution authority for speedy finalization of the case and the verdict handed to the accused which will serve as a deterrent to those who are still committing such irregularities. He concluded.”
Content retrieved from: https://www.saps.gov.za/newsroom/msspeechdetail.php?nid=48211.
