News / National
Zimbabwean remanded in custody for smuggling R14 million cigarettes
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A Zimbabwean truck driver, Jiant Janos Bimha (44), has been remanded in custody by the Musina Magistrates Court following his arrest for allegedly smuggling cigarettes worth R14 million into South Africa.
Bimha was apprehended on January 18, 2025, at the Beitbridge Border Post after police discovered 710 boxes of illicit cigarettes concealed within a truck tanker shortly after he crossed into South Africa.
The truck tanker, valued at R2.5 million, was also confiscated as part of the investigation. Authorities suspect the vehicle was being used as part of a larger smuggling operation.
Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi, spokesperson for South Africa's National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Limpopo Province, confirmed that the case has been postponed to March 7, 2025, for a bail application hearing.
"The accused remains in custody as investigations continue," Malabi-Dzhangi stated.
The smuggling of illicit cigarettes has become a persistent issue along the Zimbabwe-South Africa border, with both countries suffering significant revenue losses due to the illegal trade. Authorities from both nations are intensifying efforts to crack down on smuggling rings operating across the border.
This arrest underscores the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in curbing cross-border crime and the illicit trade in tobacco products.
Bimha was apprehended on January 18, 2025, at the Beitbridge Border Post after police discovered 710 boxes of illicit cigarettes concealed within a truck tanker shortly after he crossed into South Africa.
The truck tanker, valued at R2.5 million, was also confiscated as part of the investigation. Authorities suspect the vehicle was being used as part of a larger smuggling operation.
Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi, spokesperson for South Africa's National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Limpopo Province, confirmed that the case has been postponed to March 7, 2025, for a bail application hearing.
"The accused remains in custody as investigations continue," Malabi-Dzhangi stated.
The smuggling of illicit cigarettes has become a persistent issue along the Zimbabwe-South Africa border, with both countries suffering significant revenue losses due to the illegal trade. Authorities from both nations are intensifying efforts to crack down on smuggling rings operating across the border.
This arrest underscores the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in curbing cross-border crime and the illicit trade in tobacco products.
Source - The Herald
