Caption: Ali Maratab (40) found guilty of selling illicit cigarettes
By Kopano Dibakwane
A Pakistani national, Ali Maratab(40), was sentenced to 6 months imprisonment or a fine of R10 000 after he was found guilty by the Mbombela Specialised Commercial Crimes Court, in Nelspruit on Thursday 18 April 2024, for selling illicit cigarettes, therefore contravening the provision of the Customs and Excise Act.
Maratab’s criminal activity was reportedly uncovered following an ad-hoc police operation conducted at a shop which reportedly sold the illicit merchandise.
The operation reportedly consisted of Nelspruit-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation and Customs Enforcement Officials from the South African Revenue Service(SARS).
According to the spokesperson for the Hawks in Mpumalanga, Captain Dineo Sekgotodi, the illegal trade of cigarettes was confirmed after a law enforcement agent conducted a “test buy” at the said shop.
“ A search and seizure warrant was authorised and executed on 21 June 2023 at “Nadmad Trading” in Nelspruit. During the search, illicit cigarettes(Remington Gold Blue) were found and confiscated. The accused was arrested and detained. He appeared in court and was released on bail.
“ He attended court on several occasions until he was found guilty and sentenced,” said Sekgotodi.
She added that the illicit cigarettes were forfeited to the state.
The Provincial Head of the Hawks in Mpumalanga, Major General-Nicholus Gerber, thanked the community of Mpumalanga for providing information that led to the conviction.
“ As the Hawks, we shall continue ensuring the security and safety of citizens by investigating all cases which threaten our economy and jeopardising the generation of revenue due to the state,” said Gerber.
