R10 million fine for truck driver trying to smuggle illicit cigarettes into South Africa

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, better known as the Hawks, has secured a big victory in the fight against illicit cigarettes in South Africa.

The case started on 10 June 2025, when 54-year-old Godknows Mangani Demanyundo, a Zimbabwean national and truck driver, was arrested.

His arrest followed a South African Revenue Service (SARS) cargo analyst’s detection of suspicious images during routine scanner analysis.

He spotted something strange inside a tanker during routine cargo scanning operations at the Musina–Beitbridge Port of Entry.

The SARS analyst alerted his team leader, who, in turn, notified the South African Police Service (SAPS).

This resulted in a physical inspection by SAPS and the Border Management Authority (BMA), who uncovered the illicit cigarettes.

The haul included 500 master boxes, seven cartons and six packets of Chelsea cigarettes valued at over R10.4 million.

The illicit cigarettes, together with the truck and tanker trailer used to transport the consignment, were forfeited to the State.

Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) members documented the exhibits for evidential purposes, SAPS arrested the suspect, and the Hawks took over the investigation.

Following the suspect’s arrest, the Hawks spearheaded the investigation, gathering and examining evidence to build a case.

This week, Demanyundo was convicted and sentenced by the Giyani Magistrates’ Court for transporting illicit cigarettes.

Limpopo Provincial Head of the DPCI, Major General Gobz Govender, commended the investigation team and the participating agencies.

He said that the collaboration between SARS, the SAPS, the BMA, the LCRC, and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation contributed to the successful outcome.

“An arrest is not the end of the investigation. The Hawks will follow the evidence until justice takes its course. No border will shield those who profit from crime,” he said.

A drop in the ocean

Tax Justice South Africa said that the government’s crackdown on illicit trade has failed to trouble the criminal tobacco kingpins.

An Ipsos survey found that 74.5% of stores nationwide are still selling cigarettes at prices that show due taxes have not been paid.

The survey, conducted in June, also revealed that 92.4% of vendors in the informal sector sell a packet of 20 cigarettes below the Minimum Collectable Tax level of R27.12.

The researchers found cigarettes selling for as little as R7 a pack, almost 75% below the Minimum Collectable Tax.

Almost two-thirds of sampled outlets sold packs for R20 or less, with hotbeds in the Northern Cape (82.2%) and Western Cape (79.4%).

Tax Justice SA founder Yusuf Abramjee said these findings do not align with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s promises to crack down on illicit cigarettes.

“These findings expose the gulf between Government promises and what is happening on the ground,” said Abramjee.

He said that brands owned by the Gold Leaf Tobacco Corporation (GLTC) dominate the illegal market.

Gold Leaf Tobacco operates out of Johannesburg and Harare and has now been renamed Polaris Manufacturing.

In March 2023, Al Jazeera’s Gold Mafia documentary exposed GLTC’s involvement in alleged smuggling and money-laundering on a massive scale.

Its brands were the cheapest available in 40% of the stores visited. Three-quarters of its brands sold for less than R20.

“Another prominent manufacturer in the survey was Carnilinx, a principal member of the Fair Trade Independent Tobacco Association (FITA),” Abramjee said.