EASTERN CAPE – Tafadza Stanlin Mnzamhido (46) was sentenced by East London Magistrate’s court on 02 June 2022 for charges of selling illicit tobacco.

In July 2021, information was received about a warehouse in farm C32 Thorn Park in East London containing illicit tobacco products. The East London based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team of the Hawks pursued the investigations and an arrest was effected and the accused was released on bail.

After a series of court appearances, Mzamhido on 2 June 2022 was fined R50 000-00 or 5 years imprisonment and a further 5 years wholly suspended for 5 years on condition that he is not convicted of the same offence during the period of his suspension. He is further declared to be unfit to possess a firearm.

The team is lauded by the Provincial Head Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya as such conducts cripple the economy of the country.

Source: South African Police Service