Skeem Saam actor arrested for illicit trade of cigarettes in Limpopo

Image via: SAPS

Prominent SA actor arrested for dealing illegal cigarettes in Limpopo

A well-known actor and four other suspects were arrested in Polokwane, Limpopo on Wednesday 8 July for dealing illicit cigarettes.

Skeem Saam actor arrested for illicit trade of cigarettes in Limpopo

Image via: SAPS

A prominent actor and four other suspects between the ages of 38 and 42 have been arrested in Polokwane, Limpopo on Wednesday 8 July for dealing in illicit cigarettes. 

SA ACTOR ARRESTED FOR DEALING ILLICIT CIGARETTES – BUT WHO IS IT? 

The Hawks, in a statement, said a 44-year-old “soapie” actor was arrested for trade in illicit cigarettes. Unfortunately, that’s all we’re getting because the suspects, including the actor, cannot be named as they have not yet appeared in court. 

According to the Hawks, members received a tip-off about suspects who were selling illicit cigarettes at a Polokwane taxi rank in Limpopo.

“An early morning operation was conducted wherein the five suspects were caught red-handed with the contraband,” said Captain Matimba Maluleke. 

According to the Hawks, the team seized 45 cartons of Remington Gold cigarettes to the value of R12 000 as well as R9 681 in cash. 

“The suspects are expected to make their first appearance in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Thursday 9 July for contravention of Customs and Excise Act 91 of 1964 and dealing in illicit cigarettes,” added Maluleke. 

Image via: SAPS

The ongoing cigarette ban has led to countless acts of illicit trade in tobacco. Each day, the need for an unbanning grows stronger amongst tobacco companies and smokers in general. Since two court cases for the unbanning of tobacco have been lost, it’s looking as though the ban may only be lifted as the country moves down to lockdown Level 2 or 1. 

President Cyril Ramaphosa did, however, assure South Africans that the ban would eventually be lifted. 

Also on Wednesday, a cigarette ban protest halted traffic in Gauteng. In an organised “go-slow” operation, a number of vehicles were caught on camera occupying the road and all of its lanes on Wednesday morning. On Saturday 4 July, groups of smokers also gathered to protest the cigarette ban outside the Union Buildings in Pretoria. 

NEW WAY OF SMUGGLING CIGS DETECTED 

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF), on Monday 6 July, said cigarette smugglers have found a new way creative way to get tobacco through South African borders. 

“The cigarette smugglers have changed their concept of operations. But Joint Tact Limpopo operatives are a step ahead and soldiers from both Op CORONA and Ops NOTLELA arrested and confiscated their illicit cigarettes. The smugglers tried 20/25 litres containers but to no avail.” it said. 

The operation successfully seized, amongst other things, 100 cartons of cigarettes, 8 x 20 packets of cigarettes, 12 firearms and 16 cell phones.