$3 000 fine for attempting to smuggle cigarettes to SA

A magistrate here on Monday slapped two men with a US$3 000 fine each for attempting to smuggle 40 boxes of export quality cigarettes into South Africa through the Beitbridge Border Post.

In the event that they default paying the fine, Albert Muzenda (34) of 2148 Zviitirei Street, Masvingo and

Edward Mutsvuke (36) of 2254 in Rutendo, Redcliff risk 12 months imprisonment each.

The duo was convicted on their own pleas of guilty to charges of illegal possession of goods liable to customs duty when they appeared before Beitbridge magistrate Mrs Auxillia Chiumburu.

Detectives intercepted the duo at the Beitbridge Town Council truck shop on their way to the border post following a tip-off.

Prosecutor Tawonga Musina told the court that the duo hatched a plan to smuggle the contraband into South Africa on October 1.

They went to the truck shop looking for transport but were, however, intercepted by detectives from the Border Control and Minerals Unit.

They were asked to produce documents indicating payment of customs duty as required by the law but failed.

The duo was subsequently arrested. The contraband was forfeited to the State.

Zimra would have lost US$3 946 in revenue.