Wendy Dondolo|Published
A 54-year-old Zimbabwean truck driver has been slapped with a R10 million fine or five years behind bars after being convicted of transporting illicit cigarettes worth more than R10.4 million through the Musina–Beitbridge border post in Limpopo.
Godknows Mangani Demanyundo was sentenced by the Giyani Magistrate’s Court following an investigation by the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit in Musina.
Hawks spokesperson Colonel Avele Fumba confirmed the conviction on Wednesday, saying the case followed the discovery of a massive consignment of illicit Chelsea cigarettes concealed inside a tanker.
Suspicious cargo scan blows lid off R10.4 million cigarette haul
Demanyundo was arrested on June 10, 2025, after authorities discovered the illicit consignment during routine cargo scanning operations at the busy border crossing between South Africa and Zimbabwe.
According to Fumba, a South African Revenue Service (SARS) cargo analyst detected suspicious images during a routine scan and immediately alerted a team leader, who notified police.
A joint physical inspection involving the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Border Management Authority (BMA) subsequently uncovered 500 master boxes, seven cartons and six packets of Chelsea cigarettes valued at more than R10.4 million.
Members of the Local Criminal Record Centre documented the seized goods as evidence before police arrested the truck driver.
"Following the suspect’s arrest, the Hawks spearheaded the investigation, gathering and examining evidence to build a case that ultimately resulted in the accused’s conviction and sentencing," Fumba said.
R10 million fine as truck and cigarettes forfeited to state
The Giyani Magistrate’s Court sentenced Demanyundo to a fine of R10 million or five years’ imprisonment.
The court further ordered that the illicit cigarettes, together with the truck and tanker trailer used to transport the consignment, be forfeited to the state.
Demanyundo was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.
"The successful outcome highlights the collaborative efforts of the South African Revenue Service (SARS), the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Border Management Authority (BMA), the Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks," Fumba said.
'No border will shield those who profit from crime' — Hawks
Limpopo Hawks provincial head Major General Advocate Gobz Govender welcomed the conviction and praised the investigating team and participating law enforcement agencies for their role in securing the successful prosecution.
Govender said the conviction demonstrated the Hawks' determination to pursue criminal investigations beyond the initial arrest and ensure that those involved in criminal activities face the consequences.
"An arrest is not the end of the investigation. The Hawks will follow the evidence until justice takes its course. No border will shield those who profit from crime," Govender said.
The Hawks said the successful outcome highlighted the importance of coordinated border enforcement operations and thorough investigations in bringing offenders to justice.
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