Tshwane, 2 May 2023– The law enforcement team comprising of South African Revenue Service, South African Police Service and the Tshwane Metro Police acting on a tip-off intercepted a truck carrying illicit cigarettes at Bronkhorstspruit on the early hours of Monday, 1 May 2023.
The illicit cigarettes were imported through Beit Bridge where they were falsely declared as tea leaves. The truck was stopped at Bronkhorstspruit. On being approached, the driver fled the scene and the truck and its consignment was detained. The truck was carrying 1000 Master cases of illicit cigarettes valued at a tax prejudice of R20 million. The truck and its content have been moved to a secure SARS facility. SARS will make further disclosures once the investigation has progressed further.
SARS Commissioner Mr. Edward Kieswetter conveyed his gratitude to the team that meticulously followed on an information provided to them. He said “I want to express my sincere thanks to those patriotic South Africans that provided law enforcement with such a valuable information that led to the impounding of the truck carrying illicit cigarettes. The country is battling the scourge of illicit cigarettes, smuggled from a neighbouring country, with a view to not only displace legitimate manufacturers but to also deprive fiscus of all taxes due. The message to crooks engaged in this criminal enterprise is that we will not tire to confront and deal with them decisively. The clarion call is, comply or face the consequences”.
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