A FORMER SERGEANT SENTENCED TO FOUR YEARS IMPRISONMENT FOR POSSESSION OF ILLICIT CIGARETTES

A FORMER SERGEANT SENTENCED TO FOUR YEARS IMPRISONMENT FOR POSSESSION OF ILLICIT CIGARETTES

POLOKWANE: Specialized Commercial Crime Court in Polokwane convicted and sentenced a 45-year-old male accused Hezekiel Mailula Maimela to four years imprisonment or R200 000-00 for possession of illicit cigarettes on Tuesday, 27 February 2024. 

The court noted that on Thursday 30, June 2022 the accused, wearing a police uniform, driving his own Toyota Hilux bakkie blue in colour, was stopped by Limpopo Flying Squad while patrolling.

The police requested to search the vehicle, and found illicit cigarettes worth R350 000-00.

The accused who was stationed at Beitbridge Border Post was arrested, and the illicit cigarettes were confiscated as well as the motor vehicle (bakkie).

Sergeant David Mangena was assigned to investigate the case. 
The accused Hezekiel Mailula Maimela was granted bail of R1000 rand, and the matter was referred to Assets Forfeiture, court order was granted to forfeit the motor vehicle
(bakkie).

The accused was given the option to pay R80 000-00 cash, and again to pay R10 000-00 monthly for a period of 12 months. 

The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has welcomed the sentencing handed out by the Specialised Commercial Crime Court to the accused of illicit cigarettes.” She further compliment the team for the job well done.