Botswana man in court after SARS official rejects R104K bribe to release truck carrying illicit cigarettes worth R1 million! A 42-year-old Botswana national, Mompoloki Okocha Boitshoko, has appeared in the Mmabatho Magistrates’ Court after allegedly attempting to bribe a South African Revenue Service (SARS) official.
The case stems from a smuggling operation involving illicit cigarettes worth over R1 million intercepted at the Skilpadshek border post.
Bribery Attempt Leads to Arrest
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, also known as the Hawks, arrested Boitshoko on Monday after he reportedly paid a SARS official R104,400 in an attempt to secure the release of a truck seized at the border.
According to the Hawks, the incident began when officials from SARS’s Syndicated Tax and Customs Crime Division were alerted to a suspicious truck entering South Africa from Namibia.
Discovery at the Border
At the Skilpadshek border post, the truck driver claimed to have no cargo to declare. However, during a thorough inspection, 288 master cases of Remington Gold blue cigarettes were discovered, hidden inside the vehicle.
The cigarettes, valued at over R1 million, were confirmed to be illicit goods in violation of South Africa’s Customs and Excise Act 91 of 1964.
“Consequently, the driver was apprehended and charged for contravening the Customs and Excise Act,” said a Hawks spokesperson.
The Bribery Scheme
Following the truck’s seizure, a SARS official was reportedly contacted on November 20, 2024, by an unknown individual who proposed a R100,000 bribe to facilitate the release of the truck and its cargo.
Acting on this offer, law enforcement authorities set up an entrapment operation in collaboration with the Hawks.
“The Botswana national was arrested after he handed over R104,400 to the SARS official during the operation,” the Hawks confirmed.
Court Appearance
Boitshoko made his first appearance in the Mmabatho Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday. During the hearing, he was remanded in custody, and his case was postponed to December 3, 2024, for a formal bail application.
Hawks Commend Operation
The Hawks praised the operation as a successful example of their ongoing efforts to combat cross-border crimes, particularly those involving tax evasion and illicit trade.
“This arrest demonstrates our commitment to maintaining the integrity of South Africa’s borders and revenue collection processes,” said a Hawks spokesperson.
The Growing Problem of Illicit Cigarette Trade
The case highlights the widespread issue of illicit cigarette smuggling in South Africa, a trade that costs the government billions in lost tax revenue each year.
Smuggling operations often involve large-scale networks that exploit weaknesses in border security. Illicit cigarettes are typically sold at prices much lower than legally taxed products, undercutting legitimate businesses and fueling criminal enterprises.
SARS’s Role in Combating Smuggling
SARS plays a critical role in intercepting contraband at border posts across South Africa. By collaborating with law enforcement agencies like the Hawks, the tax authority has been able to crack down on syndicated crimes involving illicit goods, including cigarettes, alcohol, and other taxable products.
Next Steps in the Case
As Boitshoko awaits his formal bail application, investigators are expected to delve deeper into the network behind the smuggling operation. Authorities are working to determine whether he acted alone or as part of a larger criminal syndicate.
Conclusion
The arrest of Mompoloki Okocha Boitshoko underscores the high stakes involved in smuggling operations and the lengths to which criminals will go to evade detection. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of robust border security and inter-agency cooperation in safeguarding South Africa’s economy and revenue systems.
The outcome of this case will be closely watched as it progresses through the courts.
In other news – SARS and police raid MaMkhize’s R20 million Durban mansion
South African business mogul Shauwn Mkhize, popularly known as MaMkhize, is making headlines after the South African Revenue Service (SARS) conducted a raid on her properties on Tuesday.
The raids, which took place at her luxurious R20 million La Lucia mansion and reportedly other locations, aim to secure assets amid allegations of unpaid taxes amounting to R37 million. Reports indicate that SARS, assisted by the police, carried out raids not just at MaMkhize’s La Lucia home but also at her properties in Durban, Pietermaritzburg, and Sandton. Read More
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