By Obakeng Maje

Atamelang-North West police arrested a Pakistan national who was found in possession of 39 Master cases of Sasha cigarettes worth R278 448 at Deelpan road in Sannieshof.

Abdul Hafeez was arrested on the 27 June 2013 and appeared briefly before Atamelang Regional Court.

Hafeez was subsequently arrested with his accomplice, but he was released because of lack of evidence.

Atamelang Regional Court sentenced Abdul Hafeez to five years imprisonment or R65 000. 00 for contravention of Section 80 (1) of Act 91/1964 of Customs Exercise Act, 1964 on Wednesday.

“The accused and his accomplice who are both Pakistan nationals were arrested in Sannieshof on Deelpan road on 27 June 2013.  However, the charge against the accused’s accomplice was withdrawn and he was released” colonel Sabata Mokgwabone said. Upon sentencing the accused, the court suspended four years or R40 000.00 for five years on condition the accused is not arrested or commit the same offence. 

“The accused paid R25 000. It is alleged that the accused was found with 39 Master cases of Sasha cigarettes to the value of R278 448.00 when arrested” Mokgwabone said.

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