Customs crackdown leads to suspended prison term for Lenasia resident

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A 51-year-old man from Lenasia, identified as Mohamed Seedad, has been sentenced by the Protea Magistrates’ Court for violating the Customs and Excise Act due to possession of uncustomed cigarettes.

The court imposed a sentence of five years’ imprisonment, which has been entirely suspended for the duration of five years.

On April 5, 2024, Seedad was apprehended at a roadblock associated with Operation Shanela, located on Impala Road in Protea Glen, Soweto, leading to his conviction.

Law enforcement officers found and seized eight boxes with 331 cartons of cigarettes valued over R71,000 during a vehicle search, according to National Prosecuting Authority communications officer Magaboke Mohlatlole.

“The cigarettes were subsequently forfeited to the state,” he added.

Mohlatlole said investigations revealed that the cigarettes had not been declared as required under the Customs and Excise Act, resulting in the accused being charged and successfully prosecuted.

Customs under siege

“In aggravation of sentence, senior state advocate Phumlani Ntshangase argued that offences of this nature are prevalent and undermine the country’s customs and tax regulatory framework.

“He submitted that sentences in such matters should serve as an effective deterrent to would-be offenders. 

“The court agreed with the state’s submissions regarding the seriousness of the offence and, while taking the accused’s personal circumstances into account, imposed a sentence of five years’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years,” he remarked.

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Mohlatlole stated that the NPA is dedicated to collaborating with law enforcement to address customs-related crimes, ensure accountability, and safeguard the integrity of South Africa’s financial and regulatory systems.