Picture: The illicit cigarettes confiscated by police/Generic
By OBAKENG MAJE
Three men who were arrested for allegedly dealing in illicit cigarettes were granted R10 000 bail by the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court on 20 September 2023. Badu Mohammed (42), Kibru Akuri (37), and Shadikur Rayman (21) were arrested during a joint operation by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation and the South African Revenue Services (SARS) Customs on 19 September 2023.
The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Capt Tlangelani Rikhotso said the trio was arrested in their respective shops around Potchefstroom and a variety of illicit cigarettes worth over R1 million were seized for further investigation.
“All three accused were charged with contravention of the Customs and Excise Act 91 of 1964. They were each released on R10 000 bail and their cases were postponed to 3 November 2023 for further investigation,” she said.
The Guardian 